Taking off the gloves

President Obama has been criticized by some progressives who are disappointed that he has too easily compromised, trying to forge bipartisan support, and has fought for less than he might have been able to get through Congress.

We should all be happy with his radio address today, as reported by Charles Babington on HuffingtonPost:

President Barack Obama challenged the nation's vested interests to a legislative duel Saturday, saying he will fight to change health care, energy and education in dramatic ways that will upset the status quo.

"The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long," Obama said in his weekly radio and video address. "But I don't. I work for the American people."

He said his ambitious budget plan, unveiled Thursday, will help millions of Americans, but only if Congress overcomes resistance from deep-pocket lobbies.

"I know these steps won't sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they're gearing up for a fight," Obama said, using tough-guy language reminiscent of his predecessor, George W. Bush. "My message to them is this: So am I."

Some analysts say Obama's proposals are almost radical. But he said all of them were included in his campaign promises. "It is the change the American people voted for in November," he said.

This is true. That is what we voted for him to do and where he wants to take the country. But there are powerful and moneyed forces that will oppose change. It's taking a while to realize that we might actually get results, but it will take solid support from liberal/progressive voters to help him bring it about. He can't do it alone.

Ralph