BRITS GET OBAMA BETTER THAN WE DO – AT 8:27 A.M. ET:  As you know, we often turn to British journalists to nail the truth about Obama.  Today, Toby Harnden of the Telegraph observes The One's behavior at the health summit, and comes to appropriate conclusions:

It did not take long for the bipartisan health care summit to degenerate into the kind of bickering and points-scoring that has created a crescendo of anger about the conduct of politics in Washington.

President Barack Obama preached that the White House health care summit should not be "political theatre where we're just playing to the camera" or about trading "respective talking points". Then he reminded his 2008 opponent John McCain: "We're not campaigning any more. The election is over."

The barely concealed message was: "I won and you lost, buddy." When Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader, grumbled that Democrats had talked for 52 minutes and Republicans just 24, Mr Obama shot back: "I'm the President. I didn't count my time."

From the moment Mr Obama crossed Pennsylvania Avenue to Blair House (which is normally occupied by visiting diplomats) flanked by aides and Secret Service agents, it was clear the President meant business. He looked like an extra from Reservoir Dogs – only the shades were missing.

When the garrulous Vice President Joe Biden was a little tardy is getting to his seat, Mr Obama chided him: "Come on, Biden!" Reprising the message that the voters of Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts had rejected overwhelmingly, Mr Obama made the case that a trillion-dollar overhaul of the American health-care system was essential to rescue the ailing economy.
His opening remarks were a campaign speech in all but name. He had little new to say, evening admitting: "I'm telling you things all of you already know."

COMMENT:  That's the best description of Obama's Oscar-losing performance yesterday that I've read.  We saw Obama at his Chicago City Council best.  All we needed was the "They bring a knife, we bring a gun" line. 

One term?  If the GOP can come up with a presidential candidate who can pass an EKG, that could be Obama's future.  Back to community organizing.

February 26, 2010