Obama's mistake

I came across this column from E.J. Dionne, Jr. at Truthdig. It's well worth a read - he explains, very coherently, how Obama has messed up in his first 20 months of governance. This paragraph really hit me:

There was a revealing moment in early August when Obama told an audience at a Texas fundraiser: "We have spent the last 20 months governing. They spent the last 20 months politicking." Referring to the impending elections, he added: "Well, we can politick for three months. They've forgotten I know how to politick pretty good."

E.J. then continues:

Obama’s mistake is captured by that disdainful reference to "politicking." In a democracy, separating governing from "politicking" is impossible.

And then proceeds to explain why. As I say, worth a read.

Bonus to cheer you up: Also from Truthdig today, Eugene Robinson's comments on Glenn Beck's 15 minutes of fame at the ego-rific Beckfest held at the Lincoln Memorial this weekend. Also check out some of the sights and sounds.