Immigration activists were shocked, to say the least — “pissed” is how Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice, described his reaction — and the remarks undercut the next day’s unveiling of an immigration reform framework, while providing Republicans more leeway to accuse Democrats of demagoguing on the issue.
Clarissa Martinez, the National Council of La Raza’s immigration and national campaign director, put the onus squarely on the president. “To me, what was an opportunity for his leadership to emerge strongly … well, it’s not quite there yet,” she said…
Obama’s challenge is compounded by nearly a decade of pent-up frustration among progressives and two seemingly contradictory leadership traits: an ardent commitment to issues expressed in soaring, expectation-raising rhetoric and an aloof approach to legislating that gives others more say about substance and timing.
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