Not So Smooth Operator

Something's happening to President Obama's relationship with those who are inclined not to like his policies. They are now inclined not to like him. His supporters would say, "Nothing new there," but actually I think there is. I'm referring to the broad, stable, nonradical, non-birther right. Among them the level of dislike for the president has ratcheted up sharply the past few months.

It's not due to the election, and it's not because the Republican candidates are so compelling and making such brilliant cases against him. That, actually, isn't happening.

What is happening is that the president is coming across more and more as a trimmer, as an operator who's not operating in good faith. This is hardening positions and leading to increased political bitterness. And it's his fault, too. As an increase in polarization is a bad thing, it's a big fault.

I think Peggy Noonan has it right. Last week we were talking about how many Republicans qualify their opposition to President Obama's policies by saying "but personally, he's such a likable guy!". You don't hear that much now. His eloquence, charisma, cult of personality - call it what you will - is wearing thin. One bit Ms. Noonan forgot to mention was that sometimes the reason behind touting Mr. Obama's endearing qualities was to avoid being labeled a racist. Because we all know that disliking this administration's policies is tantamount to Klan sympathies, if not outright membership.

Anyway, you can read the rest here, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.