I think one of the problems with the polarization of the last decade is that Left and Right have developed unrealistic ideas of the other’s positions and values. I don’t recognize liberal values in the way you describe them, and I expect I have an equally distorted view of conservatives. At heart I believe we all want America to succeed and be the shining example we know it can be. One of the dissonant things of the past 8 years for a liberal has been wanting the country to do well, while wanting the Bush policies to fail. It is confusing, I don’t blame you for wondering what’s going on now that the roles have switched.

By the way, here’s an analysis of why Obama chose his foreign policy and defense team.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/us/politics/01policy.html?_r=1&ref=politics

I do agree that Obama is “pragmatic”, if by pragmatic you mean willing to throw previous associations and policies under the bus for political expediency. You know, what he did with “Reverand” Wright, his work at the Anneberg Foundation, his history as a legislative leftist, etc.

I shouldn’t be surprised. All the indications were there before the election. Obama has a history of political expediancy. He’s the Black Bob Dole. Bod Dole famously said “You want Reagan? I can be Reagan”. Obama can be Bill Clinton, which is what I think that we’re getting, by all indications.

I truly believe Obama is neither left, right or center but pragmatic and results-oriented; and also, a very special leader with a very unique background. He understands white America. He understands black America. He understands the Muslim world based upon his own experiences more so than would most leaders. He understands the experience of a child growing up without parents; and also now the importance of family. He knows Chicago, New York and Harvard and, generally, the good life; but he also lived in extreme poverty in Indonesia and has friends and relatives who live is more extreme poverty in Kenya. Obama draws upon a sharp intellect and an incredible personal story that includes experiences in many environments. More than anything, that enables himself to identify issues and good policy and synthesize the best from what’s around him. He’s put together a very dynamic team where the only litmus test seems to be talent in the area of need. Much like Reagan, Obama will develop unique policies and spur new political theories. He will innovate Washington. How refreshing!

http://gregmankiw.blogspot.com/2008/11/next-team.html

…you’re just reinfocing my predjudice that politics is nothing more than high school student council writ large.

It’s all just a big popularity contest. Obama is “cool”. But policy means nothing, and in fact we are seeing that it doesn’t make a damn bit of difference who you vote for. The policies are the same. And they don’t make a damn bit of difference anyway (just like student council!). The ineffectiveness of the bailout has convinced me of that, as does the fact that EVERYONE in Washington supports it.

So it’s all very confusing to me. You’ll excuse me for that, with thanks in advance.

I mean, if the liberal-media complex that elected Obama wanted the Clintons back, why didn’t they get the Clintons elected?

Regarding the things I mentioned:

There is probably nothing more left/ right than taxes. Dubya made taxes a lot less progressive than they were under the Clintons. Clinton raised taxes during a recession. I don’t see why the state of the economy would have any bearing on how much more progressive taxes should be made. If anything, I would expect the Democrats to cut taxes for the middle class, and pay for it by raising that top rate significantly.

Obama was promising to get out of Iraq very rapidly. I don’t see Gates going along with a withdrawl anytime soon. And Obama was very critical of the surge. Gates is the executor of that policy.

Regarding Rubin, he was behind Bill Clinton’s policy of kowtowing to the bond market. It was a very successful policy, but not left wing in any way, shape, or form.

Remember why Larry Summers was fired from his last job. What he said that got him fired was very right wing, don’t you think? Not progressive.

The Democrats in Congress floated a bill last session that would nationalize 401(k)s. Your 401(k) would be liquidated, and government bonds bought with the proceeds.

Of course, it failed to become a law, but now that Democrats have comanding control of the legislative process, they could easily pass such a law if they wished.

And, frankly, I said it once and I’ll say it again. I wish we’d move beyond the left-right blue-red paradigm and get down to brass tacks. If anyone thinks that Obama is going to keep the Bush tax cuts and not let them expire on their own, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. Obama isn’t left OR right, he’s going to do what works. If that means total libertarian capitalism, then he’ll do that. If that means socialism, then he’ll do that. Frankly, I think Obama will govern center right when it comes to foreign policy, he’ll be centrist on the economy, and he’ll be left when it comes to health care.

Works for me.