A conservative Republican with an opinion, a brain and a heart.
Truly inspiring, but sadly, scarce. Being winter residents of a "comfortable' region of South Florida, Democratic opinions are rarely tolerated, so my wife and I had despaired of ever hearing, reading or uttering an approving word about President Obama.
Thank you David. I'd like to hope that your beautifully written opinion might serve as at least a mild antidote for some of the poison being pedaled by the tv candidates.
God Bless America.
Ken & Fran
Ken & Fran
.
Truly inspiring, but sadly, scarce. Being winter residents of a "comfortable' region of South Florida, Democratic opinions are rarely tolerated, so my wife and I had despaired of ever hearing, reading or uttering an approving word about President Obama.
Thank you David. I'd like to hope that your beautifully written opinion might serve as at least a mild antidote for some of the poison being pedaled by the tv candidates.
God Bless America.
Ken & Fran
Ken & Fran
.
164
You just can bring yourself to mention Sanders' strength of character or his optimism for the future can you David. That speaks volumes about your moral character and those volumes are not very nice.
46
On that note Obama is an ethical respectable man who is Rubio`s man to demonize like a non stop robotic machine.
It will be grand if Rubio wins the nomination then he will be responsible to put another Democratic candidate in the White House.
Senator Bernie Sanders or Madame Hillary Clinton.
It will be grand if Rubio wins the nomination then he will be responsible to put another Democratic candidate in the White House.
Senator Bernie Sanders or Madame Hillary Clinton.
45
Mr. Brooks: It's interesting to notice that many of your recent columns boil down to a basic theme: Now that the Republican Party has exposed its true colors and gone off the deep end, the Democrats really aren't so bad after all.
Well, it's about time that you've woken up to reality and taken off your blinders. We've been telling you this for the past 8 years! You just refused to listen to reason.
But sorry; your 20-20 hindsight is too little, too late. You should have been calling out your party for their malicious intransigence ever since it began 8 years ago. But you sat there mutely, instead of speaking out to nip it in the bud.
Sorry, but your "penance" is coming too late to grant you absolution. YOU have contributed to the current situation by your tacit acceptance of Republican idiocy; you've played a part in creating the monster. As many readers have commented about your columns over the past few weeks: We're not letting you off the hook that easily.
Well, it's about time that you've woken up to reality and taken off your blinders. We've been telling you this for the past 8 years! You just refused to listen to reason.
But sorry; your 20-20 hindsight is too little, too late. You should have been calling out your party for their malicious intransigence ever since it began 8 years ago. But you sat there mutely, instead of speaking out to nip it in the bud.
Sorry, but your "penance" is coming too late to grant you absolution. YOU have contributed to the current situation by your tacit acceptance of Republican idiocy; you've played a part in creating the monster. As many readers have commented about your columns over the past few weeks: We're not letting you off the hook that easily.
139
I'm not buying it. If you really felt that way, where are you columns telling your party to act like "grown-ups" and cooperate with the President rather than stonewalling President Obama's programs because he is Black? Too little, too late. Your party fomented ignorance and hate, and that is what is being spewed out by your candidates. Reaping and sowing are real entities.
159
You'll really miss him a year from now.
125
Your tone certainly has changed of late (thankfully). What you say you will miss is due in part by you and in large part by your party and the fear and ignorance you have all stoked. I have to take exception to your words about President Obama being 'aloof', etc. It shows you are missing your own point. The Republican's won't even listen to President Obama's budget director, but you call him aloof? You bemoan the temperament and tone in the candidates, you are right along with it. He isn't aloof, your party is insular and tribal.
118
Too soon, brother.
7
Amazing. David Brooks must be evolving as a human being who appreciates reason.
40
" Obama radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance that I’m beginning to miss, and that I suspect we will all miss a bit, regardless of who replaces him ".
Beautiful piece!! @David Brooks.
Beautiful piece!! @David Brooks.
73
Good column, Mr. Brooks. I wish you had had the grace to make some of these assertions earlier in this fine man's term. Perhaps it would have helped crumble the stonewall opposition this fine man has endured from, well, your side.
Now you are looking at a ride on the Big Yellow Taxi, because you don't know what you've got til it's (almost) gone. I'd vote for him for a third term if I could. Your reasoning, by the way, is exactly why I support Sanders, because integrity is first, and he is the ONLY candidate who has it. You have to find a way to criticise him, of course, but you ignore the fact that he, the Amendment King, has been compromising as a way of life all through his many years in Congress.
Now you are looking at a ride on the Big Yellow Taxi, because you don't know what you've got til it's (almost) gone. I'd vote for him for a third term if I could. Your reasoning, by the way, is exactly why I support Sanders, because integrity is first, and he is the ONLY candidate who has it. You have to find a way to criticise him, of course, but you ignore the fact that he, the Amendment King, has been compromising as a way of life all through his many years in Congress.
60
David, I too usually disagree with you, but this column is spot-on. Obama is a decent, intelligent, and caring human being. You highlighted this. As profoundly difficult as it is for me... thanks.
73
This column is not only about values, it is also about fear.
It is about fear of Senator Sanders’ inspirational call for a political revolution that has stirred America’s youth.
David Brooks writes that “Obama’s basic approach is to promote his values as much as he can within the limits of the situation,” but that Sanders “has been so blinded by his values that the reality of the situation does not seem to penetrate his mind.”
Using Obamacare as an example, Brooks writes that Obama “took coverage away from only a small minority of Americans,” but that Sanders “would take employer coverage away from tens of millions of satisfied customers, destroy the health insurance business and levy massive new tax hikes.”
This is inaccurate because Senator Sanders has repeatedly emphasized that he would not dismantle Obamacare, before first putting into full operation his proposal for an all-inclusive health program that would leave no one behind, one that would save taxpayers nearly five thousand dollars annually in return for a modest increase in tax.
Yet fear of Senator Sanders call for racial, economic and social justice persists, especially among conservatives, as this column demonstrates.
Senator Sanders may therefore win primaries in several states. He may even win the 2016 election to the White House, but he also needs to win the hearts of those gripped with fear of his lofty program for social and economic justice for all Americans in order to carry out his program.
It is about fear of Senator Sanders’ inspirational call for a political revolution that has stirred America’s youth.
David Brooks writes that “Obama’s basic approach is to promote his values as much as he can within the limits of the situation,” but that Sanders “has been so blinded by his values that the reality of the situation does not seem to penetrate his mind.”
Using Obamacare as an example, Brooks writes that Obama “took coverage away from only a small minority of Americans,” but that Sanders “would take employer coverage away from tens of millions of satisfied customers, destroy the health insurance business and levy massive new tax hikes.”
This is inaccurate because Senator Sanders has repeatedly emphasized that he would not dismantle Obamacare, before first putting into full operation his proposal for an all-inclusive health program that would leave no one behind, one that would save taxpayers nearly five thousand dollars annually in return for a modest increase in tax.
Yet fear of Senator Sanders call for racial, economic and social justice persists, especially among conservatives, as this column demonstrates.
Senator Sanders may therefore win primaries in several states. He may even win the 2016 election to the White House, but he also needs to win the hearts of those gripped with fear of his lofty program for social and economic justice for all Americans in order to carry out his program.
47
Amen!
I'll miss him too.
I'll miss him too.
28
Thank you David I was waiting for someone to writ a sober view of Obama like you did.
26
Who are you and what have you done with the David Brooks we've come to know -- the unabashed champion of all things (and, until recently) all politicians Republican?
19
That's great Dave, you miss him. You lost me with the first paragraph though.
11
David,
I am touched about your warm feelings about the Obama's. But can you now turn and tell your crazy caucus to stop their negative attacks on him. Wait till the economic numbers mature and you will sing his praises in your districts.
I am touched about your warm feelings about the Obama's. But can you now turn and tell your crazy caucus to stop their negative attacks on him. Wait till the economic numbers mature and you will sing his praises in your districts.
31
Congratulations Mr. Brooks.
This is the best op-ed you have written.
Thank you.
You're the greatest!
This is the best op-ed you have written.
Thank you.
You're the greatest!
12
Mr. Brooks –
I read you carefully and almost always disagree.
I have great respect for your rhetorical skills and the nimbleness with which you are always able to disguise your torment and denial with flowing prose that passes for wisdom and insight.
Your article day teaches me one more thing about you: you are a mensch. Time to leave that crowd of scoundrels, liars, and hypocrites that you have hung out with for years. You do not belong. And they are incapable of appreciating the depth of character that you demonstrate in your tormented writing.
I read you carefully and almost always disagree.
I have great respect for your rhetorical skills and the nimbleness with which you are always able to disguise your torment and denial with flowing prose that passes for wisdom and insight.
Your article day teaches me one more thing about you: you are a mensch. Time to leave that crowd of scoundrels, liars, and hypocrites that you have hung out with for years. You do not belong. And they are incapable of appreciating the depth of character that you demonstrate in your tormented writing.
56
So why are you still a Republican, David?
75
I don't think it takes an op-ed piece to know that Obama is a good, well-intentioned man who has displayed great integrity during his time in office. And despite the virulence and disrespect he faced - such as the “you lie” comment from Joe Wilson or the heckling he at times had to endure while giving a speech, Obama never stooped to the pettiness of those who opposed him.
117
Heh! Would have been nice to hear David Brooks singing Obama's praises eight or four years ago when it mattered, rather than when he's safely a lame duck.
57
And if it had been up to you and people like you, Mr. Brooks, you would have been able to start missing President Obama in 2012.
41
I will miss Obama terribly. One example stands out for me: I remember that in 2011, when the raid on Osama Bin Laden's hideout in Abbotabad was underway, Obama was cracking jokes at the White House Correspondents Dinner.
21
Thank you David from the bottom of my heart. I have been trying so hard to express to friends and political foes what you have so beautifully written. Now I will email your column far and wide.
Well done sir. Looking forward to PBS news hour this coming Friday.
Well done sir. Looking forward to PBS news hour this coming Friday.
14
Imagine how we feel who voted for Obama--twice. I've never agreed with you more than in this op-ed, Mr. Brooks.
Yes, the sense of grace, optimism (without being breathlessly frantic about it), intelligence, and restraint have served the US well, even though President Obama seems to bring out the worst in some people.
If you pictured the ideal Renaissance man as described by Baldassare Castiglione in his "Courtier", you would get President Obama.
I can hardly abide listening to any of the presidential candidates on either side (no, Mayor Bloomberg, that is not an invitation) and I know it is because I am already in withdrawal; I am without hopes of ever hearing a word of sense from another president in the coming years. Heaven help us.
President Obama, you WILL be missed.
Yes, the sense of grace, optimism (without being breathlessly frantic about it), intelligence, and restraint have served the US well, even though President Obama seems to bring out the worst in some people.
If you pictured the ideal Renaissance man as described by Baldassare Castiglione in his "Courtier", you would get President Obama.
I can hardly abide listening to any of the presidential candidates on either side (no, Mayor Bloomberg, that is not an invitation) and I know it is because I am already in withdrawal; I am without hopes of ever hearing a word of sense from another president in the coming years. Heaven help us.
President Obama, you WILL be missed.
53
Wow.
The chickens have seriously come home to roost, haven't they, David?
Finally you acknowledge Obama. But you don't acknowledge the barbarism he faced on the right.
You try to contrast Obama with Clinton and Sanders, but it doesn't wash. The vast ocean between them and the Republicans running for president could not be wider. And their campaigns' direction hews far closer to his than is generally acknowledged, especially by you.
It's all coming home, isn't it, David?
The chickens have seriously come home to roost, haven't they, David?
Finally you acknowledge Obama. But you don't acknowledge the barbarism he faced on the right.
You try to contrast Obama with Clinton and Sanders, but it doesn't wash. The vast ocean between them and the Republicans running for president could not be wider. And their campaigns' direction hews far closer to his than is generally acknowledged, especially by you.
It's all coming home, isn't it, David?
43
You have it exactly right, Mr. Brooks. He will only appear better with time.
19
Wow most of you expect so little from your President. Nic e guy, who looks good in a suit and can deliver an inspiring speech. Obamacare, some good, but too costly, income levels flat, minority employment still low, unwed mothers at a new high! Foreign policy in complete disarray! With these type of expectations you'll love whoever comes next...unless he or she is the second coming of Herbert Hoover.
12
But Brooks is a Republican. Good luck with that.
2
No scandal? What about that whole Edward Snowden, mass surveillance program?
Short memory, eh?
Short memory, eh?
8
David Brooks and I disagree on all things great and small but this one. And to his credit, he has always maintained a courteous stance toward President Obama, no matter their differences. Perhaps he could conduct a "Mr. Manners" course for the GOP...
13
As a 40 year-old liberal woman, voting in New Hampshire today, I hope both Clinton and Sanders take the time to read and think about what you've so thoughtfully written. You and I don't always agree, Mr. Brooks, but I am so often grateful for your candor and ability to consider the big picture.
13
You're a brave man, Mr. Books. But it seems that the most vicious of your detractors have either not read the piece or are attacking you elsewhere.
I was expecting an onslaught of bile when I looked through the comments, but instead found many that reflected my own beliefs. Perhaps a few of your fellow travelers will (silently) acknowledge the truths you tell.
It will be interesting to see how Obama is treated when he has left office. I'd be especially interested in a death bed confession by Mitch McConnell or John Boehner, perhaps along the lines of Lee Atwater's. Maybe you can start now to collect thoughts for that column.
I was expecting an onslaught of bile when I looked through the comments, but instead found many that reflected my own beliefs. Perhaps a few of your fellow travelers will (silently) acknowledge the truths you tell.
It will be interesting to see how Obama is treated when he has left office. I'd be especially interested in a death bed confession by Mitch McConnell or John Boehner, perhaps along the lines of Lee Atwater's. Maybe you can start now to collect thoughts for that column.
24
I miss Barack Obama too however, I doubt he misses us.
15
President Obama gave us almost eight wonderful years. The country will miss you.
22
Thanks, Mr. Brooks. Although I often disagree with you, I respect your integrity, humanity, and intelligence. So it is a pleasure to know that you too respect the President with whom you often disagree.
Donald Trump, despicable character that he is, reminds us of the dignity and family values so prominently a part of the Obama presidency and household. I myself am amazed that this President can remain so calm, balanced, and grounded in the political circumstances of today. Both Mr. Trump and the Israeli Prime Minister would do well to pattern their behavior after our President.
Donald Trump, despicable character that he is, reminds us of the dignity and family values so prominently a part of the Obama presidency and household. I myself am amazed that this President can remain so calm, balanced, and grounded in the political circumstances of today. Both Mr. Trump and the Israeli Prime Minister would do well to pattern their behavior after our President.
30
None of the candidates belong in the same room with President Obama. (You neither Mr. Bloomberg!)
So proud to have him as my President and sad to see him go.
So proud to have him as my President and sad to see him go.
43
Haven't agreed with much of Mr. Brooks recently,but not on this one. "pornography of Pessimism",so accurate. I cannot agree more in defining Trump,Cruz or Sanders with this. In the case of Cruz & Sanders,though of different persuasions,they lead the charge of trying maintain an orthodoxy of goose stepping followers. If we have a problem with our government programs,why discard them,why not really refine them. When we have revolutions by the left or right,we displace huge segments of our population,just to be "orthodox". What defines us as a nation & our success is the ability change for the better. Cruz & Sanders are anarchists,wanting to throw the baby out with the bathwater. For their insane vision of that being "pure" in their vision of America. And as a commentary, Obama vision of health care is an evolution,if Americans want it to single payer health care,with states like Alabama & Alaska eventually leading the movement, since there is little choice & availability in those states. We have had two revolutions in our history as a nation, Independence & Civil War, so a vote for Cruz or Sanders will lead us to a potential third. It was the greatest threat LBJ feared, a war of ideologues leading citizens to ultimate conflict, for the good of the country he did not run for office again. Obama knows he is human & flawed,wanting to do no harm, Cruz & Sanders have not a clue,just a playback of orthodoxy.
12
Well said. He is a fundamentally decent man. He makes the current crop of contenders look like Yahoos.
16
Wow, an anti-"Obama Derangement Syndrome" opinion from the right wing. Refreshing. Will any in the current republican mess listen. Probably not.
10
Bravo David Brooks! Your intelligence trumps your politics. Congratulations on an insightful and 100% true evaluation of Obama's personal integrity. Thank you.
15
In fact , first time in USA a young American presidential family completed their White house years.
First one was violently torn apart, Kennedy presidency, by right wing extremists and Gladio type clandestine operation.
Obama as a man and personality showed and fulfilled statesman qualities.
Michelle was elegant first lady but also strong personality and absolutely a role model for woman causes.
Sasha and Malia , yes they are great , they were young and we most likely listen their memories following decades,
A Great family to remember for every aspect of their presence in White House.
First one was violently torn apart, Kennedy presidency, by right wing extremists and Gladio type clandestine operation.
Obama as a man and personality showed and fulfilled statesman qualities.
Michelle was elegant first lady but also strong personality and absolutely a role model for woman causes.
Sasha and Malia , yes they are great , they were young and we most likely listen their memories following decades,
A Great family to remember for every aspect of their presence in White House.
14
Thanks, David. You articulated the civility of President Obama and underscored why the potential lack of it from our next leader, whomever that may be, would be sorely missed. Our Civility in America 2016 poll found that civility resonates strongly among Americans. The majority of Americans believe that uncivil behavior has serious consequences: 77% say incivility in government is preventing action and 63% have stopped paying attention to political conversations and debates as a result of incivility. Nearly all likely voters – 93% – say a candidate’s level of civility is an important factor in deciding who they vote for. Let’s hope for more civil presidencies ahead!
7
David Brooks you surprised me today. Your thoughtful column about the wonderful traits possessed by our President is refreshing when compared to the disrespect that many in our country, including many of our elected leaders, display without any hesitation.
16
I wonder what inspired David Brooks to write this today on the morning of the New Hampshire primary. Could it possibly be the horror show that has been this icy winter of discontent, a.k.a. the Republican debate spectacle? The escalating debasement of their language? The utter lack of civility towards minorities, majorities and especially each other?
You've finally seen the light, our esteemed Mr. Brooks. Your membership in the Dark Side will be reconsidered.
You've finally seen the light, our esteemed Mr. Brooks. Your membership in the Dark Side will be reconsidered.
16
After seven years of enabling and tacitly supporting your party's vile racist undermining of everything President Obama has tried to do, or despite your party's vicious often treasonous efforts, actually gotten done, you have the unmitigated gall to write this column? Shame on you and shame on the Republican Party, essentially a criminal conspiracy devoted to destroying American democracy and turning the country over to their one percent masters. I guess you finally couldn't stand looking at yourself in the mirror, seeing that the extremist kooks and crypto-fascists you have been giving the wink and the nod to the past seven years have taken control of the party that seeks to drown government in a bathtub. Let's hope this is the election where dumbed down, Fox addled Americans wake up, and consign the GOP to the ash heap of history where it belongs.
38
Obama is basically a scandal-free Clinton. Pretty mainstream Democrat.
5
Your ain't the only one, buddy.
6
"I hope the next presidency is a philosophic departure."
Apparently you're still "evolving," Mr. Brooks.
If you're looking for someone in need of philosophic departure (and a major dose of empiricism) I suggest you repair to the nearest available mirror.
Apparently you're still "evolving," Mr. Brooks.
If you're looking for someone in need of philosophic departure (and a major dose of empiricism) I suggest you repair to the nearest available mirror.
6
After 8 years beating down the Obamas, Mr. Brooks does not miss Obama and what he miss is the gentler Republic party he is accustomed to. Time and the Republic party have changed and Mr. Brooks can either change with the time or get off the changing bus.
12
It's about time that someone, particularly someone who is conservative, sat down for a rational minute and realized what an amazing person and president Barack Obama has been. Thank you.
13
The last paragraph says it all, made me teary eyed ! I am so thankful for Barack, and I doubt there will ever be another team like Obama and Biden. I am so thankful for their eight years.
21
Thank you, Mr. Brooks. As a regular reader, I have greatly admired your ability to appreciate the complexities of public life. Never have I appreciated your own character traits more than today.
5
I think I'm going to cry. We are going to miss him terribly.
6
Thank you for publicly acknowledging what most sane people have seen all along: Obama's basic decency, humanity, integrity. Perhaps come November you'll vote for a candidate who is also a decent compassionate human being.
14
Thank you, Mr. Brooks. No qualifications or buts, just thank you. It takes a strong person to admit to that kind of admiration for the leader of the opposition, especially nowadays.
6
David,
I would guess that you became a Republican during the rise of the Neocons, but even then it probably didn't seem a good fit. The pseudo-science of Arthur's Laughable Curve was downright embarrassing to anyone with a brain, but the Full Monty of Reaganomics sounded the death knell of rationality.
And now you're stuck, attached to a party that finds itself diving headlong into the vat of Kool-Aid and you can't seem to muster the courage to scream "Enough of this madness!" I realize that job security is a powerful motivator, but changing parties is not the end of the world. The life of an apologist cannot be pleasant.
I would guess that you became a Republican during the rise of the Neocons, but even then it probably didn't seem a good fit. The pseudo-science of Arthur's Laughable Curve was downright embarrassing to anyone with a brain, but the Full Monty of Reaganomics sounded the death knell of rationality.
And now you're stuck, attached to a party that finds itself diving headlong into the vat of Kool-Aid and you can't seem to muster the courage to scream "Enough of this madness!" I realize that job security is a powerful motivator, but changing parties is not the end of the world. The life of an apologist cannot be pleasant.
14
Ah, so true. This made me tear up, thinking about not having the Obamas around anymore. It was so comforting to know they were in charge. Thanks for writing this, David.
7
He's not gone yet. There are still administrative remedies for problems the Republicans in Congress are refusing to deal with that he will enact that you can go back to hating him for.
2
I never thought I'd ever write this, David, but I agree with you! Thank you for voicing the thanks all Americans should have for this wonderful couple. They arrived at the White House with our nation facing difficult crises and acted in the nation's best interests with dignity, honor, and intelligence.
13
I miss GOP leadership that would put nation over party.
11
Hallelujah , Mr. Brooks! I never thought that the day would come when you're going to "eulogize" President Obama. But I believe you are a fair and reasonable man that can look beyond politics and appreciate the integrity of the man. You have given me hope that there is still light at the end of the GOP tunnel. May your special tribe/brand of GOPers thrive. The country needs them in these troubled times.
12
But that time has passed, and we’re now in the birth pangs of a new era.
2
Walla David !.......I will miss his keen intellect, and his fundamental decency and humanity. I think what you're saying is true - no one in the current field of candidates, Dem or GOP comes close to matching Obama.
15
You must be joking. AS far as many are concerned , the sooner he leaves , the better. He has been a disaster for this country!
4
Well stated, David. It’s Obama’s personal integrity I like & why I supported him, even though I’m moderately conservative on economic matters. That’s the hidden element I look for in politicians today and rarely find. That’s why although I’m anti-war, I like John McCain. That’s why although I consider Libertarians too extreme economically, I like Ron Paul. And that’s why I don’t believe in socialism, but I like Bernie Sanders (I disagree with you somewhat about him).
7
But over the course of this campaign it feels as if there’s been a decline in behavioral standards across the board.
It "feels as if"? Really Mr. Brooks? Is that the best you can say?
YOU LIE!!!!!!
It "feels as if"? Really Mr. Brooks? Is that the best you can say?
YOU LIE!!!!!!
11
You put your left leg in first getting dressed this morning. Seems to have helped your perspective.
4
Brooks, if you think losing the Private Heath Insurance industry will be a massive disruption, you are clearly not prepared for what's coming. Your class, the upper middle class, has largely been spared the pain of the last 10 years but that is about to change. The private debt bubble in China is just beginning to pop. By this time next year, we'll all be back in the soup again no matter who is President. The most popular cocktail of 2017 will be called "Capitalism on the Rocks."
Barack Obama WAS an excellent President for you. He bailed out the Banking industry and Wall Street, and almost miraculously kept things from collapsing on his watch. So much so that you can write this ridiculous column and actually believe it. This is what the Obama Presidency was about; the maintenance of the appearance of normalcy, all the Republican nonsense to the contrary. Those people—with the exception of Trump, who is business guy but not really a Republican—have no idea what they're doing. (Trump actually knows what he's doing, even if it is kind of dyspeptic.) You're well rid of them. I hope you and Barack can vacation together when all this is over, and you know, really bond deeply over the important things.
Barack Obama WAS an excellent President for you. He bailed out the Banking industry and Wall Street, and almost miraculously kept things from collapsing on his watch. So much so that you can write this ridiculous column and actually believe it. This is what the Obama Presidency was about; the maintenance of the appearance of normalcy, all the Republican nonsense to the contrary. Those people—with the exception of Trump, who is business guy but not really a Republican—have no idea what they're doing. (Trump actually knows what he's doing, even if it is kind of dyspeptic.) You're well rid of them. I hope you and Barack can vacation together when all this is over, and you know, really bond deeply over the important things.
3
Right on, David!! You nailed this in so many ways. I am a Democrat and while every candidate is flawed, you have inadvertently or willfully helped me realize why I need to support Hillary and oppose Bernie. I love the guy, but not as President. You should also consider voting for her given the choices that may be offered to you. As for Barack, I agree with you 100%. I also don't like certain aspects of his attitudes and presentation, but will miss so much of what he has brought to the Oval Office. He is a credit to the American people and culture, and will, I believe, be remembered in a very positive way over time.
24
This is no news for some of us. He has been so good on so many issues that we will gracefully endure a orangutan republican president after him in honor of the democracy that gave us Obama. But we will try for Hillary first :)
12
David, I have always respected you, but I finally realize you truly are a sad excuse for a conservative, and a columnist. What a pathetic article. the world is on fire because of this man's (in)actions. It has been the most divisive presidency in history in terms of excluding the right and fomenting class and racial divisions. The economy has fallen back into a shambles. I could go on and on. Yet you wax nostalgic over his genteel manners. Very disappointing.
4
The man is dignity and intelligence personified. We surely will miss him, a great example of what our country is supposed to be all about.
29
Mr. Brooks, thanks for your article. I too will miss President Obama. I have always appreciated him for the many things he has done for the middle class. Many don't give him credit for the hard work he had done and the accomplishments he has achieved. Look at the job rates, lower than ever. President Obama could have accomplished more, but a Congress that wouldn't support him has been very distasteful. But still there are many that blame him for everything that has gone wrong in the United States. I tilt my hat to a wonderful President. Again Thank You.
16
Obama was elected twice by We the People in our democratic republic, but the Tea Party GOP leaders in Congress showered him with disrespectful behavior like he was a black man in the south during Reconstruction.
He maintained his good manners, good humor, and good behavior which only drove his partisan opponents into further fits frustration and anger.
Did Brooks ever call out his fellow Republicans during Obama's term?
It's a little late for Brooks to miss something that is still going on.
Brooks himself is part of the problem, in my view, as an apologist for disrespectful manners by his fellow Republicans in Congress
and elsewhere in our country.
He maintained his good manners, good humor, and good behavior which only drove his partisan opponents into further fits frustration and anger.
Did Brooks ever call out his fellow Republicans during Obama's term?
It's a little late for Brooks to miss something that is still going on.
Brooks himself is part of the problem, in my view, as an apologist for disrespectful manners by his fellow Republicans in Congress
and elsewhere in our country.
41
I applaud Mr. Brooks on his opt/ed, which is fair, reasonable and thoughtful, all-too-rare features in the current media. I am puzzled by this comment: "I hope the next presidency is a philosophic departure".
It would be helpful if Mr. Brooks would elaborate, perhaps in a subsequent column.
It would be helpful if Mr. Brooks would elaborate, perhaps in a subsequent column.
3
Thoughts:
1. I am totally gobsmacked.
2. "basic integrity", "superior integrity", "sense of basic humanity", "basic care and respect for the dignity of others", "a soundness in his decision-making process", "Obama radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance"
3. "philosophic departure", indeed...
1. I am totally gobsmacked.
2. "basic integrity", "superior integrity", "sense of basic humanity", "basic care and respect for the dignity of others", "a soundness in his decision-making process", "Obama radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance"
3. "philosophic departure", indeed...
2
It is not just the candidates who seem to lack President Obama's "integrity", "humanity, and "respect for the dignity of others." Such lack is common in these pages as well, as evidenced by a Most Recommended commenter who writes, "I wonder if I am still dreaming or I awoke in an alternate universe. Only now, just months before the end of his eight years as our president, Mr. Brooks wakes up to a reality that just dawns on him. Perhaps he has slept through seven years of his party's grotesque attacks on this president whom he now awakes and admires. How can he justify his unmistakeable sins of omission?"
11
Better appreciation late than never, I guess, but this is a bit late-coming in the context of columns during the past 7 years.
9
Here we go. Conservatives praising outgoing democrats to bash the incoming ones.
6
David, I'm glad you've found Jesus--or whoever it is who's rendered you so forgiving and blind to faults. But Obama's militarism and willingness to ramp up the US war machine, while promising to reign it in, shouldn't at all be overlooked when we consider his legacy. And I won't even begin to talk about what a disappointment he was to the idealistic progressives like me who would have been willing to follow him on a path toward economic justice and integrity in government--if only he'd taken that path.
1
I was deeply moved as President Obama sang Amazing Grace during the memorial service for the victims of the Charleston shooting and as he shed tears recalling the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting.
35
Glad you finally see what many of us saw from the beginning in Obama!
And I can't help but notice that a lot of the rudeness and disgraceful behavior going on in the campaign right now began during Obama's tenure, as those who oppose him in Congress treat the President of the US disgracefully! It's one thing to disagree, but when you act crudely toward, as they have, I can't help but believe it is because racism lives in certain segments of this country. At this point, I wouldn't even be surprised to hear some GOP congressmen refer to our President as "boy", because it comes a bit too naturally to them when they see a man of color.
By the way, I am a middle-aged white female, so it's not some reverse bigotry that feeds my thinking. Just clear observation.
So, seems to me, that the current crop of angry GOP candidates and voters are just a continuation of what has been happening since we all that the gall to elect "that sort" of man.
And yet, he now seems like the example of civility, doesn't he? LOL
And I can't help but notice that a lot of the rudeness and disgraceful behavior going on in the campaign right now began during Obama's tenure, as those who oppose him in Congress treat the President of the US disgracefully! It's one thing to disagree, but when you act crudely toward, as they have, I can't help but believe it is because racism lives in certain segments of this country. At this point, I wouldn't even be surprised to hear some GOP congressmen refer to our President as "boy", because it comes a bit too naturally to them when they see a man of color.
By the way, I am a middle-aged white female, so it's not some reverse bigotry that feeds my thinking. Just clear observation.
So, seems to me, that the current crop of angry GOP candidates and voters are just a continuation of what has been happening since we all that the gall to elect "that sort" of man.
And yet, he now seems like the example of civility, doesn't he? LOL
16
President ONama has done a phenomenal job cleaning up the huge mess that Dubya and his puppeteer Cheney left our nation and the global economy in. His successes are despite a Republican Party that stated their job was to insure he was a one term only President. If he could run for a third term he would win in an even bigger landslide. Thank you sir for killing Bin Laden, saving the auto industry that paid us back with interest, insuring millions of our citizens who could not be insured, restoring our nations moral compass, bringing the majority of our young brave troops home out of harms way. You sir will go down in history as one of the very best to ever hold the office.
20
See with this article too many non-truths. Look at it this way . Where did the money come from to fund Obamacare ?The old tax scary. The old raising taxes scare that's what it is. The taxpayers will eventually pay back the funding of Obama care just wait until he's not in office so the left can blame the Republicans . because this taking by legislation of social security and Medicare monies the people paid in good faith needs to be paid back they paid for It. Social security and Medicare monies the people paid in good faith needs to be paid back they paid for they earned it . So once again the government will Legislate and tax that means take money from the American worker and eventually pay it back silly games . We have American sleeping on the streets and we're bringing in outsiders yes outsiders we must take care of our own first and foremost . Remember the government does not make money they legislate pass laws divide and conquer and take money they work for the people !
2
Thank you David Brooks!
I can say the same about the elder George Bush (other than the Willie Horton ad, which I'll never really forgive) and I suspect I'd be able to say the same about a John Kasich or maybe Jeb Bush if either of them get elected. But I can't imagine we'd get to the end of a Trump or Cruz administration (if we even survive such a thing) feeling that way. I didn't feel that way about Bill Clinton or the younger Bush. I'm cautiously optimistic about Hillary, who I don't think has the same penchant for stupidity that Bill did. She's not a natural politician, but I think underneath it all she'd probably govern pretty well. I hope so because I'm supporting her and I'd hate to regret it.
I can say the same about the elder George Bush (other than the Willie Horton ad, which I'll never really forgive) and I suspect I'd be able to say the same about a John Kasich or maybe Jeb Bush if either of them get elected. But I can't imagine we'd get to the end of a Trump or Cruz administration (if we even survive such a thing) feeling that way. I didn't feel that way about Bill Clinton or the younger Bush. I'm cautiously optimistic about Hillary, who I don't think has the same penchant for stupidity that Bill did. She's not a natural politician, but I think underneath it all she'd probably govern pretty well. I hope so because I'm supporting her and I'd hate to regret it.
6
I can say with confidence that I will not miss David Brooks, but I would love to be given the opportunity to find out.
8
I am a registered Republican and I absolutely respect President Obama. No president in my lifetime has been treated as disrespectfully as has President Obama (starting with "you lie!) and he has remained gracious throughout. I believe that he will be seen by historians as one of our finest Presidents. And when I think about the possibility of Donald Trump taking his place I absolutely shudder.
43
Mr. Brooks, welcome to the party, better late than never, as they say ... I've long said I will miss our President when he is gone. He has been the embodiment of grace, integrity, and thoughtful intelligence, a true statesman and responsible leader. But I have to speak up when it comes to your comment minimizing Senator's Rubio's obvious lack of composure. Its not nerves, it's duplicity. He is a scripted politician who lacks real conviction and is also an intellectual lightweight. It's not charming. It's frightening. He is a bought and paid for tool, being sold to the American people as a viable candidate.
18
We are known for the company we keep, the sources of our information and our ability to entertain different views and opinions. I do not always agree with Mr. Brooks but always look forward to his views and the thoughtful way he presents them. He enriches my day.
1
Thank you David Brooks for capturing Barack Obama's essential good traits - traits which in the increasingly uncivilized space of American and world politics, are not appreciated by enough people. I am proud I have stood by him as a voter and a supporter, and I fear that the qualities he represents and lives by are fragile and endangered in our world to come.
14
You Say, "We have problems, but they are less serious than those faced by just about any other nation on earth."
I cannot disagree more. Both Trump and Sanders are propelled by a total distrust of the status quo. Consider,
Over a million made homeless while bankers made millions, then no convictions.
More people in prison than any other country, half of which have never hurt anyone!
25,000 killed by a prescription drug,
A minimum wage that belongs in a third world country.
I was born in 1941 to a Swedish immigrant mother. All my life the story that this is the best country on earth was pushed on me but all my cousins back in Sweden had better lives, Free education through college, Free health care and most importantly no wars.
Today my mother lies in a grave next to a 21 year old killed in Vietnam. Why?
Please stop the lies.
6
President Obama will be missed the way Lincoln, the president he is most like, was missed: He will leave "an empty space against the sky."
21
Thanks for this article. It helped lift some of my despair about the coming election and the state of the country. The level of hate for the President from my Republican friends is not to be understood. Please keep talking to your fellow republicans.
16
Amen!
I wish you had expressed those sentiments 7 years ago when the vilification started in earnest. In fact, the right wing has spewed disrespect to the man and the office in ways that have seriously weakened our nation and our national soul. Those of us who actually agreed with his policies as well as finding his elegance, equanimity, restraint and appeal to reason to be worthy of high respect have already started to miss him more than you can imagine. He will, indeed, be seen as a great president.
I wish you had expressed those sentiments 7 years ago when the vilification started in earnest. In fact, the right wing has spewed disrespect to the man and the office in ways that have seriously weakened our nation and our national soul. Those of us who actually agreed with his policies as well as finding his elegance, equanimity, restraint and appeal to reason to be worthy of high respect have already started to miss him more than you can imagine. He will, indeed, be seen as a great president.
15
Mr. Brooks writes, "...a president has to maintain equipoise under enormous pressure. Obama has done that, especially amid the financial crisis." And, I would add, marching out under the lights of network cameras the world over to display his longform birth certificate at the exact same moment Seal Team 6 was en route to take out Bin Laden.
19
For once I agree with Mr. Brooks. But I would say that President Obama's policies are a result of the decent man he is. I wonder why Mr. Brooks insists on hanging onto "conservative" policies when increasingly they conflict with the ethos Mr. Brooks seems to respect.
Perhaps it is all just so many words, but I'd like to believe that David Brooks is truly going through an inner conflict. Looking at the candidates on the Republican side, not a one of them has the decency, in either policy or person, that our current president has.
Perhaps it is all just so many words, but I'd like to believe that David Brooks is truly going through an inner conflict. Looking at the candidates on the Republican side, not a one of them has the decency, in either policy or person, that our current president has.
11
I wish America had gotten the Progressive President Obama pretended to be while running for office. What we got was another Third-Way, DLC-type, Democrat in Name Only administration.
Mr Obsma is a nice man, but is in the wrong party - just like Hillary Clinton. They are moderate Republicans and we encourage them to feel free to come out of the closet so we can stop pretending. Bruce Bartlett hit the nail on the head.
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/obama-is-a-republican/
Mr Obsma is a nice man, but is in the wrong party - just like Hillary Clinton. They are moderate Republicans and we encourage them to feel free to come out of the closet so we can stop pretending. Bruce Bartlett hit the nail on the head.
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/obama-is-a-republican/
3
One of the things I have come to admire most about President Obama is that he always plays the long game. He thinks like a chess player when others are playing checkers. It was frustrating to watch sometimes because he was willing to sacrifice pawns, and I'd think "why did you do that?!!" But eventually I realized that he usually ended up capturing the queen. That patience and refusal to be distracted from the ultimate goal are qualities that make a great President.
37
Here, here. Finally, a member of the media sums up the tawdry and truly awful nature of the current political environment. Trump, the bombastic loser, and Sanders, an Alice in Wonderland figure, are still in the race. Now that is intellectual pornography!
4
Not one of the republican contenders has the dignity, intelligence, or patience that Barack Obama demonstrates. Not one. The once grand old party is grand no more.
21
The shame of our nation is that President Obama's mixed heritage has been used by our most reactionary forces to leverage our widespread and largely subliminal racism. As a white man, he would have been one of our greatest.
19
Reading what advisors and consultants write is not any "trait of leadership" or leadership itself, an attribute only presented by this president out of the gate when he bribed, extorted, cajoled and got Democrats to pass the Unaffordable Care Act. Other than that he brays and signs executive orders written by others. His stand up to strong enemy leaders such as Putin and Assad has been sitting down or turning around. This world is burning, Brooks, in case you haven't noticed. Invisible Red Lines, giving to farm to Iran, are attributes of cowards not leaders.
http://www.periodictablet.com
http://www.periodictablet.com
2
Your column is right on the money, but it comes too late. I'm glad you said it, but I've been writing opinion letters to my newspaper about the same subject throughout the Obama Administration. Our President has upheld his dignity and integrity even though he was attacked personally and professionally at every turn. There won't be another President such as Barack Obama for a very long time and it's a crying shame. He was a person to look up to. There's not one presidential candidate on the Republican side who has the brains or persona to be President. As George Will said, " the presidency is not an entry-level position."
24
Thank you, David Brooks. Obama is a credit to American democracy, a decent man whom we Americans should be respecting and celebrating. But those who are furious that we finally obtained a black President who earned a second term insist on crucifying him; they simply refuse to allow him any credit. They are, pure and simple, racists engaged in political lynching. I am ashamed of them.
21
"Obama radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance that I’m beginning to miss, and that I suspect we will all miss a bit, regardless of who replaces him." Yes, he abuse of the constitution, his disdain and mockery of "fly over country" and his opponents, his pillaging of law enforcement and white people simply for being white, etc. has been really wonderful. I will miss racial division, the loss of allies, the spineless and feckless foreign policy, et al. Most of all, I will miss his disdain for me as a White Middle Class American Christian, who has never built anything in my life.
4
Mr. Obama acts as a gentleman -- thoughtful, considerate, dignified -- and is a credit to his country. I have not yet watched him on the world stage, representing the U.S., and cringed at his oafish or clumsy behavior as happened with his predecessor.
20
David-It is said that we get the leaders we deserve. That is clearly not the case with Obama; he is far better than we as a nation deserved. It is a small pleasure that your piece expressly recognizes that. It is a triumph of political prudence, an ancient virtue. I delight in the belated recognition of that Aristotelian perspective.
20
Sanderscare would take employer coverage away from tens of millions of satisfied customers.
I've had 7 plans in 8 years. I've had to use 'the system' only two times.
I'm scared to ever need it for real. Drugs are 4 x the $ of same thing just over the border.
Its a terribly expensive way to deny treatment to people.
I'm NOT anywhere in the vicinity of Satisfied. Nor have I ever met anyone who was.
I've had 7 plans in 8 years. I've had to use 'the system' only two times.
I'm scared to ever need it for real. Drugs are 4 x the $ of same thing just over the border.
Its a terribly expensive way to deny treatment to people.
I'm NOT anywhere in the vicinity of Satisfied. Nor have I ever met anyone who was.
3
Well, destroying the health insurance business is the main point of Sanders' proposal. Once you do that, the tax increases would presumably be less than the insurance premiums saved. Don't know how it would work out here, but it seems to work well in a lot of other places.
BTW, Sanders' proposal doesn't need a derisive name because it's not a hodgepodge kludge like Obamacare. Just call it "single payer".
BTW, Sanders' proposal doesn't need a derisive name because it's not a hodgepodge kludge like Obamacare. Just call it "single payer".
5
It is passing strange that David Brooks has waited until President Obama's last year to acknowledge what many Americans have understood for eight years: that this president possesses virtues both welcome and rare: grace under pressure, rich intelligence, a total lack of any venality, and the ability to absorb contrary views in an effort to make sound decisions. When such acknowledgement would have been welcome--years ago--and when it would have been encouraging to President Obama's allies supporters--any time--Mr. Brooks was either silent or dyspeptic about him. Well, better late than never.
15
Wonderful column. Whether you like President Obama or not, I don't think many people can honestly deny that he, his family and his team have brought a sense of dignity, graciousness, and intellectual integrity to the White House. I think only when another individual is in the White House will we fully understand how much this president has contributed to our country. I, too, miss him already. I look at the candidates and I am frightened.
14
Really, who thinks that 7/8 years later, we are more secure economically, financially, globally, as a country, as a nation. Who really thinks that somehow the we elected an AA amatuer, and now health care is fixed? A guy who had NO experience, was elected with a Dem Congress, and somehow, we are better off?
4
Thank you, David Brooks, for this column which certainly reflects why I still have my 2008 Obama bumper sticker on my car. And it's the 999 responses (and who knows how many more) that have been so incredibly heartwarming to read. Thanks to the often-one-sided media coverage, it's been so easy to think there were no Obama-respecters left out there at all!
11
Bravo, Mr. Brooks. It's nice to see a conservative (albeit one at the far left end of modern conservatism) saying anything free of bile, contumely, and disrespect.
6
I am more liberal than David Brooks but I hope that I can appreciate good thinking when I hear it or see it from anyone. What is a true measure of this country's deterioration is the election campaign that we are suffering through now and will have to suffer for months to come.
5
It strikes me as a bit ironic that Sen. Rubio's standard statement is that Pres. Obama is trying to "change America" when "change" is exactly what he campaigned on. Also ironic is that so much of the progressive base so important to his election and reëlection is disappointed that he didn't shepherd enough of it.
16
Bernie Sanders is the most optimistic candidate in recent history, perhaps verging on excessive idealism. His vision for America embraces the ideals of the founders. Lincoln and FDR and rejects all the corruption and injustice of the current political system.
He has the overwhelming support of the younger generations whose ideals are still unsullied by the cynicism an resignation of older generations. They may be naive but have the right to choose their future, and if we have any optimism left we should all follow their lead.
He has the overwhelming support of the younger generations whose ideals are still unsullied by the cynicism an resignation of older generations. They may be naive but have the right to choose their future, and if we have any optimism left we should all follow their lead.
9
It's time to start the campaign for Barack Obama to join the Supreme Court!
14
Dave - might be time for you to leave the ranks of the party that has nothing coherent to offer and admit you have to jump ship in favor of actual intelligence.
9
"The Obama administration has been remarkably scandal free."
Illegal executive orders, IRS, foreign policy are worse than "watergate," or Clinton's behavior.
Brooks, you need to get your order of importance reset.
Illegal executive orders, IRS, foreign policy are worse than "watergate," or Clinton's behavior.
Brooks, you need to get your order of importance reset.
1
Thank you, Mr. Brooks. Well said. There is indeed much to admire and respect about the Obama family and his presidency.
6
Barack Obama had "honor that I dream not of" of being the Jackie Robinson of politics and succeeded; the rectitude and maturity of his behavior contrast all the more grossly with the temper tantrums and playground bullying of his opponents. Whether or not one likes all his policies and decisions, he does indeed look superior to all the deeply flawed candidates of 2016.
22
If our country should suffer the gravest electoral misfortune, going from the gracious and graceful Obama to the heinous and unspeakably vulgar Trump, many millions of heads would hypothetically explode all across America. Not to mention, the world. Would we ever recover our dignity?
7
Thank you for this.
5
President Obama puts forth more courage putting his pants on in the morning than all the Republicans put together put forth all day.
13
The Obamas are a class act all around, and I would be thrilled to serve on a board with them or have them as neighbors. I haven't agreed with every SINGLE thing President Obama has done (here we are still giving oodles of money to Israel after all), but that's never the right criterion. Mostly I think he's steered the right course, and I am deeply grateful for his reluctance to get involved in war after war in the Middle East. That takes just as much decisiveness as military action does, especially in the fact of widespread derision in the media for not doing things. Thank God we've not had a hawk and a vitriolic anti-Muslim president these last few years. We would have inflamed all the worst elements out there. He is wise and judicious and basically good. We've been very lucky.
12
I have disagreed with President Obama's support for the shredding of labor unions, the main reason all Americans who actually work for a living, feel poorer every year. It is a case of failing to look beyond Arne Duncan's perceptions to find out the real truth about unions. But he has always been the most intellectual man in the room. Smart does not always mean best informed, however. He is a gentleman of integrity too.
1
"Obama radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance"
. . . Bernie Sanders has integrity, humanity and good manners, but he will never radiate elegance. Is that important in a president or just icing on the cake?
. . . Bernie Sanders has integrity, humanity and good manners, but he will never radiate elegance. Is that important in a president or just icing on the cake?
1
Bravo, Mr. Brooks. Bravo. Please continue to be a voice of unity, regardless of others' responses.
(And "regardless of whom...") :)
(And "regardless of whom...") :)
2
David,
It also reminds us that whoever assumes office come 2017 may be quickly tempered by the gravity of the office. Good to remember that the Office of the President is much bigger than the person who assumes it. Obama, for all the optimism he exudes, quickly turned grey, presumably from intelligence files that ask who to kill every morning. Also, I hope the next POTUS learns to smile like Obama and picks a VP who too has an incredible smile !..not to mention, the world is getting more complicated. We could perhaps use two presidents in the White House, much like two Popes in the Vatican, I think we all know what we are talking about here.
It also reminds us that whoever assumes office come 2017 may be quickly tempered by the gravity of the office. Good to remember that the Office of the President is much bigger than the person who assumes it. Obama, for all the optimism he exudes, quickly turned grey, presumably from intelligence files that ask who to kill every morning. Also, I hope the next POTUS learns to smile like Obama and picks a VP who too has an incredible smile !..not to mention, the world is getting more complicated. We could perhaps use two presidents in the White House, much like two Popes in the Vatican, I think we all know what we are talking about here.
2
"This is epic social disruption." Society needs a little epic disruption from time to time.
One of my favorite Obama quotes-- remarking on Dick Cheney's assertion that "Barak Obama is the worst President we've ever had":
"And I think Dick Cheney is the worst president of my lifetime!"
"And I think Dick Cheney is the worst president of my lifetime!"
11
I'll miss Obama not. Yes, he did lead an very scandal free and seemingly virtuous private life. Good for him. Just like George. But this fiction that he was uniquely set upon is delusional, as are descriptions of his polices and their effect. Unlike various Governors, I believe its all been intentional, and in that he may be rated one of the most effective Presidents in history. Sadly, the direction his actions and policies laid out is another story and will reveal themselves to be a sad one. .
2
Mr. Brooks writes: "We have problems, but they are less serious than those faced by just about any other nation on earth."
However, one problem we continue to have that just about every other nation no longer has is our reluctance to adopt the International System of Units (SI), the only common worldwide language, a language that all cultures agree on, other than US.
Thus far, the President's integrity falls short on this issue, especially in view of the fact he has yet to comment whatsoever on the approximately 50K Americans who petitioned him favorably on it.
Nevertheless, it looks like American-type politics wins out , despite the fact that practically every other non-SI nation 40-50 years ago is now SI.
Sure hope the President proves me wrong in what I write here before he leaves office instead of maintaining the deafening silence of his recent couple of predecessors on this.
However, one problem we continue to have that just about every other nation no longer has is our reluctance to adopt the International System of Units (SI), the only common worldwide language, a language that all cultures agree on, other than US.
Thus far, the President's integrity falls short on this issue, especially in view of the fact he has yet to comment whatsoever on the approximately 50K Americans who petitioned him favorably on it.
Nevertheless, it looks like American-type politics wins out , despite the fact that practically every other non-SI nation 40-50 years ago is now SI.
Sure hope the President proves me wrong in what I write here before he leaves office instead of maintaining the deafening silence of his recent couple of predecessors on this.
1
So right. In 20 years, historians will conclude Obama was one of the great Presidents, based solely on his record. I suspect the footnote will be the subtle racism of his Republican congressional opponents who prevented grander action.
10
Another virtue of Obama's is patience. He understands how progress works and how long it may take to reach its tipping point. He would rather work quietly, behind the scenes, one step at a time, than make a grand show of ideological purity. But he's not stupid. "Bipartisanship" requires the cooperation of two parties. So, when Obama has repeatedly come up against a stone wall of Republican intransigence (the determination to get nothing done for the sake of getting nothing done), he knows that he's eventually going to have to climb over the obstruction or attempt to circumvent it. That Republicans haven't learned this is a big reason they're stuck on repeat like Marco Robo-Rubio. Obama's moved on and left them behind.
10
Sadly, the class exhibited by Obama which Brooks celebrates in not retaliating to the vitriol of Republicans for the last 7 years has been perceived as being 'aloof' and not aggressive enough to combat the intensity of the Tea Party and the other ultra-conservatives of the GOP. That trait has not calmed things down, but encouraged these rabid people to get even more extreme ~ viz. the successes of Trump & Cruz. That's why Robio (the robotic Rubio) has gotten a little more strident, drawing him off-base from his original stances.
Bernie Sanders is criticized for shouting back to these people, and maybe that would be counterproductive as President; meeting in the middle of this muddle does not seem like a likely outcome. But I remember FDR's quote that he welcomed the hatred of some of his opponents, whom he called Royalists. Sanders has done a remarkable thing in resurrecting the Left's passions and has also raised amazing monetary support, and the kind of debate we can foresee with Trump or Cruz will be a shouting match. Clinton's chances of finding middle ground are dubious as well, I suppose. So we might as well have a real referendum on Conservatism vs. Progressivism ~ you know what the Left used to call Liberalism and the Right now calls Socialism.
Bernie Sanders is criticized for shouting back to these people, and maybe that would be counterproductive as President; meeting in the middle of this muddle does not seem like a likely outcome. But I remember FDR's quote that he welcomed the hatred of some of his opponents, whom he called Royalists. Sanders has done a remarkable thing in resurrecting the Left's passions and has also raised amazing monetary support, and the kind of debate we can foresee with Trump or Cruz will be a shouting match. Clinton's chances of finding middle ground are dubious as well, I suppose. So we might as well have a real referendum on Conservatism vs. Progressivism ~ you know what the Left used to call Liberalism and the Right now calls Socialism.
2
Well said. As a physician, I am distraught by the arbitrariness of the Affordable Care Act and how its regulatory features are developing. Its major goals, I embrace. Its lack of sound basis makes it clumsy. If I have any criticism of Obama, it is that his administration fails to solve complexity before charging ahead with heavy-handedness. And, what I think Americans are expressing is angry tiredness of heavy-handed, inflexible, situationally narrow governance. Obama for all of his complexity seems to have chosen regulatory people, directly or indirectly, that just cannot make things work smoothly. Perhaps, the major aspects of the software for ObamaCare are working better now but the challenges of getting affordable coverage that makes the poor assuredly under-insured with ObamaCare are maintaining barriers to care.
Obama has not gotten enough done. Congress shares the blame but Obama's inflexibility is partly to blame, as well. Good person. Efficacy is an open judgment.
Obama has not gotten enough done. Congress shares the blame but Obama's inflexibility is partly to blame, as well. Good person. Efficacy is an open judgment.
2
False equivalence. Reagan gave arms to Iran in a bid to beat Carter and win the presidency. Clinton got oral sex from an intern. Not the same, although I suspect to the right wing, the latter is much worse than the former.
3
Wow. A David Brooks column that I whole-heartedly agree with. Despite policy disagreements on both sides and issues with his more centralized style of management, President Obama has been pretty remarkable in his high degree of personal integrity, even-handedness, and unflappability in the face of vitriol on the right and cynical disappointment on the left. If there were a Republican or Democrat in this race who displayed those same qualities consistently on the campaign trail, I might vote for that person regardless of party (btw I'm a Democrat). Unfortunately, no one like that ran for office this year.
2
I've criticized President Obama for being naive about foreign policy, clueless about business and economics, lacking the skill to manage a large organization, and devisive and dishonest in his political activites. But, otherwise, I agree with this article.
If anyone did not think they would miss President Obama, think about the alternatives. We have GOP candidates like Trump who publicly uses the "p" word and who continues to make fun of those who criticize of him. Not to mention Cruz, who cheated the Iowa caucus by misleading people into believing that Carson had ended his campaign run. As for the democrats, we have Hillary who not only made a bad decision in voting for the Iraq war, but continued to make bad decisions in using her private email account and in accepting large sums of speech money from Goldman. And we have Sanders, who may have the best of intentions in righting the wrongs but whose policies are unlikely to pass Congress and who has limited hands-on foreign policy experience given today's multitude of foreign threats and instability.
Perhaps it's time to abolish the 2-term limit and simply let the people vote for whomever is best equipped to lead this country, regardless of terms.
Perhaps it's time to abolish the 2-term limit and simply let the people vote for whomever is best equipped to lead this country, regardless of terms.
4
Great column. Faced with the prospect of a second depression, Obama and his team helped guide a nervous nation to the relative prosperity we now enjoy. Sure, income inequality needs to be addressed more concretely, as is often is demanded when technological, demographic, and political transformations benefit a new set of winners (e.g. Teddy Roosevelt and the Robber Barons). He has accomplished a great deal despite an obstructionist Republican-controlled Congress, has set an impressive example as a 'family man' raising two daughters with Michelle under extraordinary circumstances, and has brought welcome relief from the misguided neo-conservative chickhawks who wasted blood and treasure in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's made me proud to be an American again and I share your feelings about missing him when he's gone.
8
"Sanderscare would take employer coverage away from tens of millions of satisfied customers, destroy the health insurance business and levy massive new tax hikes. This is epic social disruption."
----------------
My guess is that the "massive new tax hikes" would be far and away offset by the money saved in insurances premiums. Why protect the insurance industry if it's not needed? Retrain the employees to do something useful. All they do now is shuffle paper, which is one reason our health care costs are so high to begin with.
----------------
My guess is that the "massive new tax hikes" would be far and away offset by the money saved in insurances premiums. Why protect the insurance industry if it's not needed? Retrain the employees to do something useful. All they do now is shuffle paper, which is one reason our health care costs are so high to begin with.
7
I voted for him twice. Had I known he was going to pick, as his domestic policy advisor a former vice president of the open borders advocacy group, La Raza, I would not have voted for him.
If he really wanted to solve the problem of too much immigration, he should have used his bully pulpit to try to get Congress to pass a national, mandatory E-Verify.
Obama's aiding and abetting of illegal immigration has fueled the rise of Trump.
If he really wanted to solve the problem of too much immigration, he should have used his bully pulpit to try to get Congress to pass a national, mandatory E-Verify.
Obama's aiding and abetting of illegal immigration has fueled the rise of Trump.
1
Obama is no doubt a super campaigner. However, I don't feel the results rise to the rhetoric. Yes politics have become polarized. But it is not the first time it has by any means. Obama's performance navigating this reality has not been good. Nor are the poor outcomes all Bush's fault 8 years running. Some of Obama's lofty rhetoric (have you forgotten the speech in Egypt that brought a very odd Nobel while the Arab world sneered at the many layers of hypocracy) has fallen very very flat and at best seems wildly naive in the face of the likes of Putin, the middle east, North Korea, etc. I feel the mess and middle class decay has contributed to this bad comedy of candidates we now have on both sides. I guess in the sound-bite generation I could sum up Obama by "Hope springs eternal."
4
A genuinely good person with high hopes. Hopes often dashed by the stalwart opposition, his own naivete, and a willingness to compromise hoping it would be returned in kind. Not with this GOP.
I hoped he would stick to his plans of high-speed rail and greater public transit spending as well more regulation for Wall Street and higher taxes on the extremely rich.
Working with bullies and immature Speakers (in that order) proved to be unworkable in the end. The GOP cares less about the nation and good governance than their own agenda and espousing dislike for government. I fear no matter who replaced Mr. Obama, Congress will be increasingly polarized and difficult to work with.
I hoped he would stick to his plans of high-speed rail and greater public transit spending as well more regulation for Wall Street and higher taxes on the extremely rich.
Working with bullies and immature Speakers (in that order) proved to be unworkable in the end. The GOP cares less about the nation and good governance than their own agenda and espousing dislike for government. I fear no matter who replaced Mr. Obama, Congress will be increasingly polarized and difficult to work with.
11
Mr Brooks, you are coming to the truth too little and too late.
President Obama and FLOTUS have been exceptional occupants of the WH.
It's been a long time since we have had such class, dignity, and balanced intelligence, as all the Obamas have exhibited. (Not to forget the ability to exhibit joy and fun, even when being attacked by racists.)
The rot, ignorance, dirty tricks and policies promoted by the Republicans who are currently running for President, makes us and the country sick. The lies, selfish actions and bad behavior seen in the last 7 years by the Republicans in Congress have been given a pass by those like yourself.
We were are so proud to have voted for Barack Obama, and attended his first Inauguration, because we could see the decency and humanity of this great man and knew that 8 years from that time, we would still have no regrets. Already many are expressing sentiments like yours, as the contrast between what we have become used to with Pres. Obama, and the bad behavior of those in the Republican field seeking the WH becomes more evident.
Thank you to President Obama and his family.
President Obama and FLOTUS have been exceptional occupants of the WH.
It's been a long time since we have had such class, dignity, and balanced intelligence, as all the Obamas have exhibited. (Not to forget the ability to exhibit joy and fun, even when being attacked by racists.)
The rot, ignorance, dirty tricks and policies promoted by the Republicans who are currently running for President, makes us and the country sick. The lies, selfish actions and bad behavior seen in the last 7 years by the Republicans in Congress have been given a pass by those like yourself.
We were are so proud to have voted for Barack Obama, and attended his first Inauguration, because we could see the decency and humanity of this great man and knew that 8 years from that time, we would still have no regrets. Already many are expressing sentiments like yours, as the contrast between what we have become used to with Pres. Obama, and the bad behavior of those in the Republican field seeking the WH becomes more evident.
Thank you to President Obama and his family.
11
Obama has damaged the country and the world greatly. It was a mistake electing him. All his policies and programs failed and he fostered great divisiveness in the country. Too many of those who wanted to feel good about themselves for electing the first (half) black president are ready to make the same mistake about electing the first female president.
1
Not only that David Brooks will miss President Obama as will most of all thinking Americans, but there will be a future time when most all Americans will realize that Obama is the smartest, most intelligent President we've had since the beginning of our Nation. Hopefully, there will be his appointment and confirmation to the Supreme Court in the future so America can continue to profit from his intelligence and grace.
8
I am not religious, I do not pray in any ordinary sense ... but in Mr. Obama's first term I would reflect each evening on the hope that Mr. Obama, his wife and children would survive the presidency -- that there would be no crazed angry hater who would try to kill any of them.
I cannot think of any president who came into office with such rabid hatred at his election. None in my lifetime has faced the organized propaganda of silly hatred -- from McConnell's scorched-earth "one-term-president" campaign to Glenn Beck's "Oligarhy."
Obama spent all of the political capital on the ACA; it bears a faint similarity to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 -- congressional Democrats suffered punishing defeats for enacting it, though Obama barely held the presidency.
How is it that so many Americans can hate a man over a health care act -- one that expands health care for less-well-off citizens?
I can see no explanation for this hatred other than racism, and the plain fact that Obama has been both the better man, the much better man, than any the Republicans have brought forward ... and that he has championed reality, and the Republicans are caught in fantasies that cannot come true.
Rubio's "he knows exactly what he is doing" reveals the terrible craziness of the Republican position. Yes he does, he's a pretty smart guy. Why would you say something that admits that, as though it is a slur?
I cannot think of any president who came into office with such rabid hatred at his election. None in my lifetime has faced the organized propaganda of silly hatred -- from McConnell's scorched-earth "one-term-president" campaign to Glenn Beck's "Oligarhy."
Obama spent all of the political capital on the ACA; it bears a faint similarity to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 -- congressional Democrats suffered punishing defeats for enacting it, though Obama barely held the presidency.
How is it that so many Americans can hate a man over a health care act -- one that expands health care for less-well-off citizens?
I can see no explanation for this hatred other than racism, and the plain fact that Obama has been both the better man, the much better man, than any the Republicans have brought forward ... and that he has championed reality, and the Republicans are caught in fantasies that cannot come true.
Rubio's "he knows exactly what he is doing" reveals the terrible craziness of the Republican position. Yes he does, he's a pretty smart guy. Why would you say something that admits that, as though it is a slur?
13
The President has been pilloried by Progressives for not having done enough. And he has been excoriated and vilified (not to mention other far less tasteful descriptions) by the Right for having done too much.
Sounds like a pretty fair, moderate, forward-looking and forward-acting Presidency to me.
Sounds like a pretty fair, moderate, forward-looking and forward-acting Presidency to me.
22
We've had two bad presidents in a row. Obamacare is imploding. Our foreign policy is in disarray. Terrorists are running wild. Our economy is in horrible shape and has been that way for the last 10 years. Obama will go down as the only president that hasn't had GDP over 2.5%. Anemic growth. Wages have stagnated for the middle class. Race relations are at an all time low. We've had scandals from Fast and Furious to Benghazi, to the IRS. Our immigration policy hasn't been enforced and our borders are wide open. We're 20 trillion in debt. The welfare payments are at an all time high. Labor participation rate is the lowest in 40 years. Yeah, Mr. Brooks, it's too bad the good times are coming to an end.
2
I'm a conservative and I completely agree with David Brooks, as do Republican stalwarts such as Bob Dole and GHW Bush. He has been given so much bait to act over-emotionally or indignant and he has not taken it.
I appreciate how he has dealt with race, he has shown a lot of responsibility there. He could easily have unleashed chaos. I disagree with him regarding National Security, but I also agree with him that ISIS is not the apocalypse, so appreciate that he does not treat it as such rhetorically. I also agree with the consensus that Islam has a problem but that we should quite obviously not demonize 1.6 bn people as the President continues to emphasize even in the face of the most outlandish rhetoric. He has been a calming presence on the world stage, and has made some very thoughtful speeches at the UN. Finally the President has been a champion for minorities but has also called out the absurdities of those who would censure free speech on campus. There are more things I disagree with, but he has behaved as one should in such a lofty position.
So I also will also miss the guy.
I appreciate how he has dealt with race, he has shown a lot of responsibility there. He could easily have unleashed chaos. I disagree with him regarding National Security, but I also agree with him that ISIS is not the apocalypse, so appreciate that he does not treat it as such rhetorically. I also agree with the consensus that Islam has a problem but that we should quite obviously not demonize 1.6 bn people as the President continues to emphasize even in the face of the most outlandish rhetoric. He has been a calming presence on the world stage, and has made some very thoughtful speeches at the UN. Finally the President has been a champion for minorities but has also called out the absurdities of those who would censure free speech on campus. There are more things I disagree with, but he has behaved as one should in such a lofty position.
So I also will also miss the guy.
8
Where is David Brooks, and what have you done with him.
On second thought, never mind.
On second thought, never mind.
Ah, David Brooks, though sometimes I may disagree with you on policy, I always agree on matters of integrity and humanity. Thanks for this!!
1
I am heartened to see so many welcoming comments about this generous and, at least for me, correct assessment of our president. I, too, will miss President Obama and dread the coming of next January 20th. Within the current choices we face, none can begin to reach never mind truly understand the qualities Mr. Brooks identifies. What a tragedy for all of us. Thank you for these fine words, for your honesty, and, in this political climate, for your courage. I believe my father was right: it takes one to know one.
2
As a foreign student in America, I find Barack Obama to be a thoughtful and intelligent person. He leaves today a much better America than the one he inherited, in financial mess at home and in long never ending wars abroad. He presented a much needed humane image of America to the world and attempted to provide basic healthcare to low income Americans.
Furthermore having an African-American President in the White House must have helped in healing the feelings of neglect and discrimination among America's minority groups.
I fail to understand all the frustration and anger that is diverted towards him especially by the Republican Presidential candidates!
Furthermore having an African-American President in the White House must have helped in healing the feelings of neglect and discrimination among America's minority groups.
I fail to understand all the frustration and anger that is diverted towards him especially by the Republican Presidential candidates!
7
If only it were simply "pornography of pessimism."
It's more "embrace of the Orwellian," the zero sum notion that our side must control and theirs must capitulate for the nation to survive.
Once, just once, I'd like to see a campaign sign that says, "Send me to Washington, and I'll compromise for you!"
It's more "embrace of the Orwellian," the zero sum notion that our side must control and theirs must capitulate for the nation to survive.
Once, just once, I'd like to see a campaign sign that says, "Send me to Washington, and I'll compromise for you!"
3
Enough of this Obama fan boasting. He has been a disaster as any POTUS we've had.
Terrible foreign policy, no plan for ISIS, an economic policy that is bankrupting the U.S., a divider, which is why the Republicans are gaining so much strength.
Can not wait for January 20th
Terrible foreign policy, no plan for ISIS, an economic policy that is bankrupting the U.S., a divider, which is why the Republicans are gaining so much strength.
Can not wait for January 20th
2
"I happen to find it charming that Marco Rubio gets nervous on the big occasions — that he grabs for the bottle of water, breaks out in a sweat and went robotic in the last debate."
The trick to figuring out who David Brooks supports is to eliminate all the people he disses.
Rubio's anxiety is charming? Really? Take a look at this piece:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mckaycoppins/the-anxiety-of-marco-rubio#.sjlkema5O
Excerpt:
"But to those who have known him longest, Rubio’s flustered performance Saturday night fit perfectly with an all-too-familiar strain of his personality, one that his handlers and image-makers have labored for years to keep out of public view. Though generally seen as cool-headed and quick on his feet, Rubio is known to friends, allies, and advisers for a kind of incurable anxiousness — and an occasional propensity to panic in moments of crisis, both real and imagined."
Just what we need in the White House: A panic-prone puppet.
Is this Marco Rubio's "Thomas Eagleton moment?" It certainly should be for voters. And for the Republican Establishment. Paying attention, Mr. Brooks?
The trick to figuring out who David Brooks supports is to eliminate all the people he disses.
Rubio's anxiety is charming? Really? Take a look at this piece:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mckaycoppins/the-anxiety-of-marco-rubio#.sjlkema5O
Excerpt:
"But to those who have known him longest, Rubio’s flustered performance Saturday night fit perfectly with an all-too-familiar strain of his personality, one that his handlers and image-makers have labored for years to keep out of public view. Though generally seen as cool-headed and quick on his feet, Rubio is known to friends, allies, and advisers for a kind of incurable anxiousness — and an occasional propensity to panic in moments of crisis, both real and imagined."
Just what we need in the White House: A panic-prone puppet.
Is this Marco Rubio's "Thomas Eagleton moment?" It certainly should be for voters. And for the Republican Establishment. Paying attention, Mr. Brooks?
4
Maybe one of these days, you will finally wake up and realize what many of your readers have been saying for a long time, that Mr. Obama has been a much better president than you have given him credit for.
3
When I first started reading this I thought that Mr. Brooks was being sarcastic. I was utterly astounded when I realized that David was actually serious. It is hard to believe that he really believes such false nonsense. All I can say is that the gap between myth and reality is great. Whatever you think of President Obama how in the Lord's earth (excuse me for using the word Lord in a NY Times publication) has you say that this administration is scandal free. Besides the proven liars that he has appointed, along with corrupt officials who had appointed a group of parvenus the likes of this country has not seen for generations!
1
"I disagree with a lot of" what David Brooks says, but he nailed this. Unfortunately, I don't think any amount of conservative or liberal hand wringing over the "pornography of pessimism" will ever correct it.
I am reading a book on how racism developed in America. (I know, racism is a fiction according to conservatives.) But the historical quotes in this book from American leaders and citizens going back to our beginning through recent time show that there has always been two factions: Those who seek justice and humanity for all, and those who would poison the well if they thought they had to share the water. President Obama seeks justice and humanity. His detractors keep their poison close at hand to sprinkle in our community drinking water.
I am reading a book on how racism developed in America. (I know, racism is a fiction according to conservatives.) But the historical quotes in this book from American leaders and citizens going back to our beginning through recent time show that there has always been two factions: Those who seek justice and humanity for all, and those who would poison the well if they thought they had to share the water. President Obama seeks justice and humanity. His detractors keep their poison close at hand to sprinkle in our community drinking water.
10
Now that a socialist has realistic chances of being President and the GOP is collapsing, Brooks miss the neoliberal-lite Obama!
P.S.: I disagree with what a lot of comments here states about Obama. I don't think history will be kind with him. In my opinion, he will be cemented in history as a weak President who could not do the necessary reforms (in case the GOP wins the next presidential elections) of did not want to do the necessary reforms (in case Sanders wins). I think he will be likely remembered as an American Chamberlain.
P.S.: I disagree with what a lot of comments here states about Obama. I don't think history will be kind with him. In my opinion, he will be cemented in history as a weak President who could not do the necessary reforms (in case the GOP wins the next presidential elections) of did not want to do the necessary reforms (in case Sanders wins). I think he will be likely remembered as an American Chamberlain.
Now Mr. Brooks is looking at Obama like Gary Cooper in 'High Noon'.
As I recall he doesn't stick around his town at the end of the movie.
I hope that when Mr. Obama leaves the White House he begins a new
challenge. I figure he'll do just fine.
As I recall he doesn't stick around his town at the end of the movie.
I hope that when Mr. Obama leaves the White House he begins a new
challenge. I figure he'll do just fine.
2
it's been a long time coming but david you have written a praise worthy column. the grace and elegance of the obama family will be missed.
2
Maybe Mr. Brooks' acceptance of the right wing led to this crop--and now he realizes he has helped damage our country.
2
The downside of the twitter-verse is that it gives the immature and crude a disproportionally loud voice. This has fueled the rise of our most banal and juvinille politicians. The most successful bloggers scream support for their candidates the loudest, laced with the most entertaining insults. The politicians then continue to feed off of this bubble of intellectually empty rhetoric, to fuel their non-stop campaigns. It's history repeating itself, with this new form of yellow journalism infinitely amplified by the biggest free printing press ever invented. These forces have created a vortex that continues to drag media, politicians and the rest of us down to the lowest levels of civility. I'm afraid that any serious counterbalancing force will be a long time in coming.
10
It is nice to see Mr. brooks is finally coming around.
Americans will look back on this Presidency 50 years from now with great pride. I contrast that with the way his every statements, sartorial selection, policy position etc have been criticized.
His list of accomplishments is enormous.
And yet as we listen to Rubio the Robot we hear that President Obama is systematically trying to destroy the United States. Right. Compare the views of the international community of Mr. Obama to that of his predecessor. We have gone from laughing stock to leading light.
Much of this criticism of Obama (or any president for that matter) is the mythical and childlike view that Americans have of the office of the Presidency. To Americans the President is or should be a Messiah like figure capable of solving not only the probelsm within the United States but internationally in a manner that conforms to their individual tastes. These solutions should be accomplished wiith the wave of a wand and with low taxes and without any sort of personal sacrifice on their part (just go shopping).
I think Americans are naieve though very well-meaning. In some respects I guess that is a good thing. In the end, though, it vastly limits our potential as a nation.
Americans will look back on this Presidency 50 years from now with great pride. I contrast that with the way his every statements, sartorial selection, policy position etc have been criticized.
His list of accomplishments is enormous.
And yet as we listen to Rubio the Robot we hear that President Obama is systematically trying to destroy the United States. Right. Compare the views of the international community of Mr. Obama to that of his predecessor. We have gone from laughing stock to leading light.
Much of this criticism of Obama (or any president for that matter) is the mythical and childlike view that Americans have of the office of the Presidency. To Americans the President is or should be a Messiah like figure capable of solving not only the probelsm within the United States but internationally in a manner that conforms to their individual tastes. These solutions should be accomplished wiith the wave of a wand and with low taxes and without any sort of personal sacrifice on their part (just go shopping).
I think Americans are naieve though very well-meaning. In some respects I guess that is a good thing. In the end, though, it vastly limits our potential as a nation.
7
I see no reason why the absence of the insurance industry from health should be a cause for concern. I don't see any virtue in paying 20% of my health expenditure to organizations that do nothing for my health.
If the tax increase required to fund Sanders' medical program is "massive" consider this balancing fact:
France's health system is not as "expensive as the U.S. system, which is the world's most costly. The United States spends about twice as much as France on health care. In 2005, U.S. spending came to $6,400 per person. In France, it was $3,300." http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92419273
If the tax increase required to fund Sanders' medical program is "massive" consider this balancing fact:
France's health system is not as "expensive as the U.S. system, which is the world's most costly. The United States spends about twice as much as France on health care. In 2005, U.S. spending came to $6,400 per person. In France, it was $3,300." http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92419273
5
I can't wait to miss Barack Obama. Worst President EVER....
4
I ask this question to Mr. Brooks and the NYT readers gushing praise today for Obama:
What presidency were you watching?
I've been living and working in Washington DC since 2009 and the guy you're describing never showed up on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
What presidency were you watching?
I've been living and working in Washington DC since 2009 and the guy you're describing never showed up on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
2
Thank you, Mr. Brooks. The political rhetoric today has become shrill and down-right disrespectful. The idea of calling a sitting President a wimp seems so wrong and a glaring indication of the lack of restraint and basic humanity in politics and in society. Riling up the masses by resorting to name-calling has no place in any society. Politics aside, the Obamas have handled 8 years of intense scrutiny with dignity and aplomb. Our nation should be proud and we need to reintroduce compromise, civility, and respect to our political debate
10
Beautiful column by Mr. Brooks. Even in 2008 I could tell Brooks appreciated Obama and not just because of the Chicago connection. Do we not all miss the exciting time that 2008 was, watching Obama run, watching him give that speech in Philly, one of his best and most moving?
But the Democrats this time around are not so terrible: Sanders is not unreasonable and understands how the Senate works. One has to aim high, if one is going to represent something different in electoral politics. A pornography of pessimism is not what Sanders represents but a hope for true change (campaign finance reform, medicare for all--if that is too much to espouse we should all give up). HRC is a better, more appealing candidate than she was in 2008--but her unhelpful henchpersons (Bill, Gloria, Madeline) are rich old white people who want her to preside over something rather than change a thing.
But the Democrats this time around are not so terrible: Sanders is not unreasonable and understands how the Senate works. One has to aim high, if one is going to represent something different in electoral politics. A pornography of pessimism is not what Sanders represents but a hope for true change (campaign finance reform, medicare for all--if that is too much to espouse we should all give up). HRC is a better, more appealing candidate than she was in 2008--but her unhelpful henchpersons (Bill, Gloria, Madeline) are rich old white people who want her to preside over something rather than change a thing.
2
Right now, according to Wikipedia, a survey of scholars places Obama at 18th. Among all presidents. I expect that number will rise, and Obama will break into the top 10 within a decade.
In that case, the worst President in history, according to a number of candidates in your party of choice, will be among our best Presidents.
Mr. Brooks, what does that say about Your Party?
In that case, the worst President in history, according to a number of candidates in your party of choice, will be among our best Presidents.
Mr. Brooks, what does that say about Your Party?
5
I appreciate David Brook's gracious concessions to the highly admirable qualities of President Obama. I agree: we are all going to miss him--his civility and elegance. I don't, however, see Obama as " over confident." I think he is decisive, after due contemplation. I see that as only good. I think the painful irony is that the Christian far-right seems to hate Obama so much, when he has exemplified so perfectly Christian values of "turning the other cheek" and displaying forgiveness to his enemies. Obama has always repressed his rage, if there was any, and his frustration (of which I am sure there has been much), and kept things on a constructive level. That would, though, be my criticism of Obama: He didn't get angry enough at the Wall Street element who almost destroyed our economy, and who were never disengorged of their ill-gotten gains. In my view, he needed to give them the same priority he gave Osama bin laden.
16
"Integrity" includes honesty and trustworthiness.
Obama has been dishonest and untrustworthy.
including
1. overselling of the Affordable Care Act with many promises which he knew were false
2. the IRS scandal targeting conservative political groups
3. the Benghazi tragedy and his cover up to ensure his reelection
Obama has been dishonest and untrustworthy.
including
1. overselling of the Affordable Care Act with many promises which he knew were false
2. the IRS scandal targeting conservative political groups
3. the Benghazi tragedy and his cover up to ensure his reelection
5
"We have problems, but they are less serious than those faced by just about any other nation on earth."
To believe that, Brooks must be a resident of the "intellectual fairyland" he accuses Sanders of inhabiting.
America has reached levels of income inequality unseen since the good old days of the Robber Barons. Even after Obamacare, 29 million Americans have no health insurance at all, and tens of millions more are seriously underinsured. Employers, serving supposedly "satisfied customers" with health plans, are often crippled by the high costs of providing healthcare for their workers. Benefits are cut back and premiums go up every year.
We have about 30,000 gun deaths a year, a wartime rate of casualties that is unheard of in any other developed and peaceful country in the world. The country is awash both with privately-owned guns and the blood they spill.
Rates of child mortality, poverty and malnutrition in America are close to third-world levels. In the richest country in the world, tens of millions live in squalor and poverty - take a drive through West Virginia if you don't believe me.
A country quite close by -- Canada -- has none of these problems. Nor, indeed, does most of Europe. Or Costa Rica. Or Uruguay.
How do they do it? By running their countries along the lines Bernie Sanders advocates, and not at the behest of their Chambers of Commerce. But to do that, apparently, would be "epic social disruption."
Our problems are real; the solution clear.
To believe that, Brooks must be a resident of the "intellectual fairyland" he accuses Sanders of inhabiting.
America has reached levels of income inequality unseen since the good old days of the Robber Barons. Even after Obamacare, 29 million Americans have no health insurance at all, and tens of millions more are seriously underinsured. Employers, serving supposedly "satisfied customers" with health plans, are often crippled by the high costs of providing healthcare for their workers. Benefits are cut back and premiums go up every year.
We have about 30,000 gun deaths a year, a wartime rate of casualties that is unheard of in any other developed and peaceful country in the world. The country is awash both with privately-owned guns and the blood they spill.
Rates of child mortality, poverty and malnutrition in America are close to third-world levels. In the richest country in the world, tens of millions live in squalor and poverty - take a drive through West Virginia if you don't believe me.
A country quite close by -- Canada -- has none of these problems. Nor, indeed, does most of Europe. Or Costa Rica. Or Uruguay.
How do they do it? By running their countries along the lines Bernie Sanders advocates, and not at the behest of their Chambers of Commerce. But to do that, apparently, would be "epic social disruption."
Our problems are real; the solution clear.
4
Mr Brooks: your column is too little and too late.
3
Barack Obama is a very fine person. The problem is that given his way, he would lead the country in a direction that many people do not want to go. This has caused the activists among his opponents to resist vehemently everything he tries to do. They do not pull their punches because Obama is a fine man, nor should they.
Perhaps the US needs someone who is not such a fine person. Take Donald Trump for example. Few would call The Donald a fine person, but many would give him a much better chance than Barrack Obama of getting big things done. Would the things he might do be good? that is the question.
Perhaps the US needs someone who is not such a fine person. Take Donald Trump for example. Few would call The Donald a fine person, but many would give him a much better chance than Barrack Obama of getting big things done. Would the things he might do be good? that is the question.
The shift began with Mitch McConnell nearly eight years ago. Had you noticed that then you would not be stuck with the Republican Party that's now and forever.
5
? You're only seeing this now? I saw it in 2008, and ever since. On a narrower scale, Kerry saw it in 2004, McCain in 2000 (primaries), Dole in 1988, and Rockefeller in 1964 (booed by the religious right at the GOP convention). Even Goldwater famously saw where things were going 50 years ago.
The difference now is that there are so many candidates all trying to out-tough each other on the GOP side (Clinton and Sanders are so mild by comparison), playing to and fanning the flames of a nasty public, encouraged by 24 hour news (cable, web) and a profound level of ignorance. They are a combination of the stereotype of 13 year old girls, gangbangers trash talking, and fire and brimstone evangelical preachers.
The difference now is that there are so many candidates all trying to out-tough each other on the GOP side (Clinton and Sanders are so mild by comparison), playing to and fanning the flames of a nasty public, encouraged by 24 hour news (cable, web) and a profound level of ignorance. They are a combination of the stereotype of 13 year old girls, gangbangers trash talking, and fire and brimstone evangelical preachers.
3
Yes, I'm afraid I'll be looking back at his Administration as the golden years given who might replace him.
I appreciate this analysis and thank you for it, Mr. Brooks. The insight it reveals leads me to make this hopeful inquiry. Are you, or any of your media colleagues, ready to conduct a comparable analysis about the intensity and character of the criticism of this president and its impact? I am particularly curious about the media's pattern of detailed critique of every move the president, once elected, made coupled with an amazing inability to acknowledge his achievements with the same clarity, detail and persistence.
I particularly have struggled with the inability of the mainstream media to take a long hard look at the subterranean role of race in responses to President Obama. A country that has suddenly noticed the extensive police killing of unarmed young black men and the racial patterns of mass incarceration of young black men, by way of example, has to somehow link this subterranean role of race based choices to reactions to this president.
I appreciate that you do not agree with him. We who voted for him did. He then proceeded to pursue what he said he would do. That has made me proud of him and his family as our first family. To study our media presentation of the president, I rarely see that pride shared. Now, watching the emerging 2016 candidates in action I am primarily saddened and even sometimes ashamed that these are my options.
I particularly have struggled with the inability of the mainstream media to take a long hard look at the subterranean role of race in responses to President Obama. A country that has suddenly noticed the extensive police killing of unarmed young black men and the racial patterns of mass incarceration of young black men, by way of example, has to somehow link this subterranean role of race based choices to reactions to this president.
I appreciate that you do not agree with him. We who voted for him did. He then proceeded to pursue what he said he would do. That has made me proud of him and his family as our first family. To study our media presentation of the president, I rarely see that pride shared. Now, watching the emerging 2016 candidates in action I am primarily saddened and even sometimes ashamed that these are my options.
8
David Brooks sounds like that knucklehead boyfriend who realizes that he shouldn't have cheated on his girlfriend who he was lucky to have in the first place. And now look what your stuck with!
5
I recall a column Mr. Brooks wrote years ago, in which he discussed having come across the old military fatigue jacket he had worn during his lapsed leftist youth. In which essay he declared himself an apostate, and reflected on his having evolved, if that is an appropriate word choice, into his present conservative self. And I remember thinking at the time I read the piece that, on those rare occasions when David gets down and offers a perspective more in tune with my own secular humanist agnostic viewpoint, he should give readers a sort of heads-up and substitute for the usual buttoned-down photo at the top of the column, a shot of himself striking a reflective pose and wearing his old olive drab fatigue jacket.
Hello Mr. Brooks,
Thanks for recognizing what many of us have appreciated about President Obama all along: the dignity he brought to the office of the most powerful position on earth. I wish you had come to this conclusion years ago, when in your role as the conscience of the GOP, you could have helped stop the vitriolic attacks on our President. No president has experienced the kind of abuse he has, and it has been in part because of the unwillingness of intelligent, thoughtful republicans to step in and stop the extremists from fanning the flames of hatred, racism and disrespect. Intelligent words, Mr. Brooks. I hope your words are heeded by other reasonable republicans.
Thanks for recognizing what many of us have appreciated about President Obama all along: the dignity he brought to the office of the most powerful position on earth. I wish you had come to this conclusion years ago, when in your role as the conscience of the GOP, you could have helped stop the vitriolic attacks on our President. No president has experienced the kind of abuse he has, and it has been in part because of the unwillingness of intelligent, thoughtful republicans to step in and stop the extremists from fanning the flames of hatred, racism and disrespect. Intelligent words, Mr. Brooks. I hope your words are heeded by other reasonable republicans.
8
Looking at the solitary figure of President Obama in the photo called to mind the quote from FDR: "I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made."
I too will miss Barack Obama, but I will remember that he made enemies for the measures he took to avert a second Great Depression, to get legislation passed to extend health care coverage to many millions of previously uninsured Americans, to end 2 misbegotten wars, to restore our tarnished reputation around the world through diplomacy, to appoint 2 brilliant women to the Supreme Court, to take the lead on addressing climate change and the list goes on. Considering that since before Obama took office after the 2008 election to this very day, Congressional Republicans have circled the wagons to obstruct his legislative platform and policy initiatives at every turn for political gain, it is no small miracle that Obama has achieved as much as he has during his 2 terms in office and has done so with such grace and gravitas. Judging him by FDR's measure, he has been a great President, the like of which we will not see again anytime soon.
I too will miss Barack Obama, but I will remember that he made enemies for the measures he took to avert a second Great Depression, to get legislation passed to extend health care coverage to many millions of previously uninsured Americans, to end 2 misbegotten wars, to restore our tarnished reputation around the world through diplomacy, to appoint 2 brilliant women to the Supreme Court, to take the lead on addressing climate change and the list goes on. Considering that since before Obama took office after the 2008 election to this very day, Congressional Republicans have circled the wagons to obstruct his legislative platform and policy initiatives at every turn for political gain, it is no small miracle that Obama has achieved as much as he has during his 2 terms in office and has done so with such grace and gravitas. Judging him by FDR's measure, he has been a great President, the like of which we will not see again anytime soon.
19
"Sanderscare would take employer coverage away from tens of millions of satisfied customers, destroy the health insurance business and levy massive new tax hikes. '
This statement is true but highly misleading.
Sanderscare would take employer coverage away, true enough, but would replace it with single-payer coverage. And by decoupling insurance from employment, it would end the loss of coverage suffered when illness or injury prevents someone from continuing to work. And of course it would cover everybody.
Sanderscare would destroy the health insurance business, true enough, but in the process it would eliminate the highly expensive complexity that requires huge staffs in doctors' offices and hospitals to cope with billing dozens of different insurers. (Notice in the British sitcom, Doc Martin, how this doctor with absolutely no bedside manner is assisted by only one employee.) It would eliminate the need for patients to navigate among different in and out of network treatments. It would eliminate separate government bureaucracies insuring the retired, the poor, Native Americans, and the military.
That Sanderscare would require massive new tax hikes is perhaps only half true, and still a very misleading claim. Recent evidence shows that U.S. governments already are paying (based on taxes, of course) for about two thirds of all medical care in the country. And the taxes would be more than offset by savings on premiums, copays, and deductibles.
This statement is true but highly misleading.
Sanderscare would take employer coverage away, true enough, but would replace it with single-payer coverage. And by decoupling insurance from employment, it would end the loss of coverage suffered when illness or injury prevents someone from continuing to work. And of course it would cover everybody.
Sanderscare would destroy the health insurance business, true enough, but in the process it would eliminate the highly expensive complexity that requires huge staffs in doctors' offices and hospitals to cope with billing dozens of different insurers. (Notice in the British sitcom, Doc Martin, how this doctor with absolutely no bedside manner is assisted by only one employee.) It would eliminate the need for patients to navigate among different in and out of network treatments. It would eliminate separate government bureaucracies insuring the retired, the poor, Native Americans, and the military.
That Sanderscare would require massive new tax hikes is perhaps only half true, and still a very misleading claim. Recent evidence shows that U.S. governments already are paying (based on taxes, of course) for about two thirds of all medical care in the country. And the taxes would be more than offset by savings on premiums, copays, and deductibles.
3
Mr. Brooks, I share you views on President Obama. Through it all, he's been a gentleman of the first order. Bet he and Michelle will not be sorry to see his second term come to an end.
Having said that, I must take exception to your view of Sen. Sanders. Here is a man who sees what this country needs, and wants to try and do something about it. I applaud him for that. Some think he cannot be elected should he be nominated. That says a lot about how far afield this country has drifted. I'll take Bernie over Hillary any day!
Having said that, I must take exception to your view of Sen. Sanders. Here is a man who sees what this country needs, and wants to try and do something about it. I applaud him for that. Some think he cannot be elected should he be nominated. That says a lot about how far afield this country has drifted. I'll take Bernie over Hillary any day!
1
"The Obama administration has been remarkably scandal-free." Thank you Mr. Brooks. However, millions of Americans find even more remarkable that such a historical fact is in no way due to the GOP members of Congress lack of effort to discredit Mr. Obama.
As to integrity, Mr. Brooks, as you suggested in other columns, it develops overtime as a result of an individual's choices. So thanks for the flowers but don't expect Democrats to be your Valentine.
As to integrity, Mr. Brooks, as you suggested in other columns, it develops overtime as a result of an individual's choices. So thanks for the flowers but don't expect Democrats to be your Valentine.
4
it's unfortunate that David Brooks is hoping "the next presidency is a philosophic departure." The he goes on to say that the Obama administration has been scandal free. What exactly would be the kind of philosophical changes would Brooks like to see? Would he like to see immigrants deported en masse? would he like to see the abolition of the EPA or the Dept. of Education? Would like to see us on the ground in Syria? Would he like more tax breaks for the super rich? Brooks echoes the same rhetoric that we have been hearing from Republicans since the day Obama took office. Lots of brash sweeping statements without substance. I guess that is the Republican brand these days.
4
It will indeed be a sad day when Obama leaves office. We have seen a President remain focused and calm under fire from unrelenting dogmatic opposiion from the GOP to each and every one of his policies. Yet through sheer doggedness and vision he has accomplished much. While his signature accomplishment Obamacare is lauded, history will record his saving the country that was careening towards a depression with thoughtful federal help. A black President assuming leadership of an economically depressed country with massive unemployment and blossoming it into the strongest economy in the world with 5% unemployment will cement his legacy as having the best administration of a long line of Presidents.
6
Finally, a column from Brooks actually saying something positive about Obama. I have not found any of the recent presidents, including Reagan, to match the integrity, grace, wit, intellectual heft, and the far reaching impact of Obama. I find that the knock on him (especially perpetuated by snarky columnists like Dowd and Douthat) regarding his arrogance particularly off the mark. He has not only projected personal humility, but also National humility that many of his republican opponents claim to be a sign of weakness.
5
Thank you, Mr. Brooks, for your generosity in praising the Obamas for their intelligence, dignity and grace under the terrible pressures of the Presidency in these challenging times. It's all too easy to denigrate those with whose philosophy you disagree. But you have shown the intelligence and grace to point out the many aspects of Obama's goodness. Thank you for this open mindedness, open heartedness. My respect for you is growing.
5
"The Obama administration has been remarkably scandal-free."
And for this you can thank the mainstream media for not doing their jobs for the past 7 years.
And for this you can thank the mainstream media for not doing their jobs for the past 7 years.
3
To borrow an adjective from David Brooks' column, "elegance." A word he used to describe Mr. Obama. About his opponents, all one can say is that they are inelegant. Inelegant in their words, actions and opposition.
3
Aloof is a good word for Obama. It has enabled him to retain what Brooks calls "equipoise" as war and horror engulf more and more of the world and terror and dictatorship advance . Brooks can't see that the two are related. This president simply cannot perceive the world around him or refuses to acknowledge it surrounded by a fawning Entourage and sycophantic press exemplified by this correspondent.
Thanks; very few people, even most Democrats, praise President Obama. U make me cry and that should not be since i am a Democrat. LOL
2
Seriously, Mr. Brooks. You sat there and wrote article after article how Obama was an ideologue and a failure and needed to "compromise" and work with Republican leadership. Of course, this Republican leadership had no reasonable positions or interest in any beneficial measures but rather decided that any measures which hurt our nation could and would be blamed on President Obama and they deemed that to be their main objective and the best way for them to increase their own power which seems to be the Republicans in Congress only true agenda besides more billionaire tax cuts for their backers. I am still not sure which of your "Conservative" beliefs the Republican Party currently represents. You sat there as this Party devolved into one who seems to believe that making government dysfunctional and counterproductive would benefit them and whose main goals involve billionaire tax cuts, no possible measures to increase gun safety and total restriction to abortion and gay rights. Instead of calling attention to this you sat there and complained about Obama against some utopian vision where a President can completely control actions of foreign governments or get whatever they believe or want to pass Congress. Shame on you, these calculating step backs won't prevent history judging you as a clueless pundit who was part of the problem. Nothing but a sincere apology and a resignation will suffice for your behavior this last 7 years or cheerleading Bush before that.
3
Please keep writing, just as you do here. As tribalism mounts, the voice of a free press becomes increasingly important.
1
Can we now stop pretending that Brooks is a Republican. No real Republican ever write this dribble. Obama has been a wholesale disaster on every level and the country know it. This will become very obvious this November when the Democrats are thrown out of the Whitehouse!
I am 55 and Obama has been the best POTUS in my lifetime. Period. Full Stop. I am proud that he represents my country. I will miss him too! Thanks David for reminding us!
6
Thank you, David Brooks. Nice to have someone recognize that grace is as asset in a hostile political environment.
Well, Mr Brooks got through almost a whole column with reason and sense. I think "Sanderscare" as the writer describes it is highly uninformed but, on the whole (and there is an awful lot I disagree with the President about) this column expresses Obama's character without projecting any of the terrible things Conservative advocates seem to lean on when finding fault -- like what's wrong with Obama based on what he supposedly believes, or wants, or thinks-- instead what he actually does. Obama has shown so much more class than his detractors who keep telling us he hates America, wants to take America down a peg, wants blah, blah without any evidence besides their own character analysis
2
Wow!
Who would have "thunk" it?
David Brooks flawlessly captures the essence of Obama the man and the President.
All the credit goes to you Mr. Brooks.
Who would have "thunk" it?
David Brooks flawlessly captures the essence of Obama the man and the President.
All the credit goes to you Mr. Brooks.
2
Wow, this article has made me so happy. It is the first time I have totally agreed with Mr. Brooks.
I would happily vote for Mr. Obama for a third term.
I would happily vote for Mr. Obama for a third term.
3
Preface my comments by saying that I often disagree with you, albeit, I still like reading your columns because you make me think . . . This column was outstanding for one basic reason - everything you wrote is true. The President and his wife are good, honest people, whose values are unimpeachable. Thank you for reminding everyone - friends and foes alike - of this truth.
5
Oh, Brooks now appreciates Obama, that's rich. Maybe you should go talk to your favorite candidate Rubio and set him straight about Obama so he won't go into his endless loop of talking trash about the President.
David Brooks won't be the only republican who will be missing Obama, the entire nation will.
David Brooks won't be the only republican who will be missing Obama, the entire nation will.
4
With a labor force participation rate of 62.7, which has dropped all but one year since Obama became President and 92 million Americans not working, one must wonder what Brook's considers basic care and respect for others?
With black poverty increasing and black home ownership decreasing, is Mr. brooks a bit color blind? With black unemployment in 2013 double the white unemployment, does Mr. Brooks have a skewed sense of optimism?
With terrorism and violence on the rise in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and beyond, is Mr. Brooks enjoying the "grace under pressure" mirage or does he have his head in the sands of a collapsing narrative?
With black poverty increasing and black home ownership decreasing, is Mr. brooks a bit color blind? With black unemployment in 2013 double the white unemployment, does Mr. Brooks have a skewed sense of optimism?
With terrorism and violence on the rise in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and beyond, is Mr. Brooks enjoying the "grace under pressure" mirage or does he have his head in the sands of a collapsing narrative?
3
I'm curious what planet some people live on and ever surprised by the lack of education in this country.
What part of drone striking the Middle East like its Call of Duty portrays dignity & class?
Or how about trying to ram the pharmaceuticals and other multi-nationals TPP trade agreement down our throat?
Or overseeing the largest expansion of private money buying political elections in American history?
Or I don't know, selling thousands of guns to Mexican drug cartels that were found to be used in murders?
Or the largest crackdown on investigative journalism in US History by using the Espionage Act on journalist more than all other presidents combined?
But I guess he can always say "I killed Bin Laden".....
Jesus Christ people, wake up and read some books and turn off the tv. There are no D's or R's, just bought and paid for public officials. You get what you deserve.
What part of drone striking the Middle East like its Call of Duty portrays dignity & class?
Or how about trying to ram the pharmaceuticals and other multi-nationals TPP trade agreement down our throat?
Or overseeing the largest expansion of private money buying political elections in American history?
Or I don't know, selling thousands of guns to Mexican drug cartels that were found to be used in murders?
Or the largest crackdown on investigative journalism in US History by using the Espionage Act on journalist more than all other presidents combined?
But I guess he can always say "I killed Bin Laden".....
Jesus Christ people, wake up and read some books and turn off the tv. There are no D's or R's, just bought and paid for public officials. You get what you deserve.
2
There it is, the strange oral fixation.
No, the president isn't ramming objects down your throat. That's just wishful thinking on your part.
No, the president isn't ramming objects down your throat. That's just wishful thinking on your part.
4
President Obama saved my life because he vanquished the "pre-existing clause" hidden in the medical insurance companies bags of dirty tricks. He did that two years prior to pushing through the Affordable Health Care Act.
President Obama saved my life, pure and simple. I would not have lived if the insrance company had had their way with my monthly premium of $2218.82.
My policy covered me, only. It had bankrupt me for many years.
Thank you, President Obama. I remember the vivd and heartbreaking story of your mother's agaoninzing death from ovarian cancer. You vowed to help others obtain speedy medical care by eliminating the pre-existing clause, and thereby honor her memory. You did that, and more; you saved my life on June 1, 2012, which was the day of my 14 hour surgery.
Thank you, President Obama. I knew you would keep your word.
President Obama saved my life, pure and simple. I would not have lived if the insrance company had had their way with my monthly premium of $2218.82.
My policy covered me, only. It had bankrupt me for many years.
Thank you, President Obama. I remember the vivd and heartbreaking story of your mother's agaoninzing death from ovarian cancer. You vowed to help others obtain speedy medical care by eliminating the pre-existing clause, and thereby honor her memory. You did that, and more; you saved my life on June 1, 2012, which was the day of my 14 hour surgery.
Thank you, President Obama. I knew you would keep your word.
19
I have been saying for some time now that we will all miss Obama after he's gone.
1
During Obama's first term he was repeatedly criticized for "negotiating against himself" before he negotiated with the Republican Congress. Sander's appeal is openly setting goals that many find inspiring without promising (or even implying) that change can occur without simultaneous changes in Congress. The phrase "Revolution" speaks to the requirement that voters who share his vision will actively seek and support candidates who are open to compromise.
4
"I Miss Barack Obama"?
Memo to Dave: Obama is STILL president!
Perhaps you could use some columns to urge your beloved Republicans to work with the man you claim to so admire in the remaining 8 months of his presidency, instead of their non-stop stonewalling and bad-mouthing him at every turn?
Also, it's interesting to note that the words Republican and Democrat don't seem to appear a single time in Mr. Brooks' supposed paean to Obama. Can't bring yourself to "bear that much reality," eh, Dave?
Memo to Dave: Obama is STILL president!
Perhaps you could use some columns to urge your beloved Republicans to work with the man you claim to so admire in the remaining 8 months of his presidency, instead of their non-stop stonewalling and bad-mouthing him at every turn?
Also, it's interesting to note that the words Republican and Democrat don't seem to appear a single time in Mr. Brooks' supposed paean to Obama. Can't bring yourself to "bear that much reality," eh, Dave?
6
I don't think it takes an op-ed piece to know that Obama is a good, well-intentioned man who has displayed great integrity during his time in office. And despite the virulence and disrespect he faced - such as the “you lie” comment from Joe Wilson or the heckling he at times had to endure while giving a speech, Obama never stooped to the pettiness of those who opposed him.
8
Yes, Mr. Brooks, a lot of us will miss Barack Obama, but you are too harshly dismissive of Bernie Sanders, his campaign, and his ever-growing number of followers. It is not "epic disruption" that we should finally join the rest of the industrialized world, and some less developed nations as well, in implementing national health care. A single payer system would only be a widening of Medicare. Do you think LBJ was a dreamer? Hardly.
5
Thank you! President Obama is a great leader who has shown forbearance and persistence as he has pursued his goals despite vicious opposition and criticism. The country has been very lucky. Now the candidates who are vying to take his place all seem tawdry, uninformed and unworthy of the position. I am, frankly, terrified.
4
I, along with the 'rest of the world' will miss Obama. He may have disappointed many with his policies, but many of us still believe that Obamacare will show itself to be a blessing in years to come. He is not only a man of integrity, but he has shown himself to be open-minded and very much of the people. We will miss this eloquent and highly intelligent leader of the US.
7
Hi David,
I don't often agree with you ,but this time your thought is well taken . Looking forward to the new cast of characters running for the highest office in the land, that projects the face of our great country ,that is the hallmark for integrity makes me pause.
We have lots of candidates with little or no experience that may have their hand one day on the nuclear trigger ,talking tough but no real definable answers and very little compassion for mankind.
We are going to miss Barrack Obama.
I don't often agree with you ,but this time your thought is well taken . Looking forward to the new cast of characters running for the highest office in the land, that projects the face of our great country ,that is the hallmark for integrity makes me pause.
We have lots of candidates with little or no experience that may have their hand one day on the nuclear trigger ,talking tough but no real definable answers and very little compassion for mankind.
We are going to miss Barrack Obama.
6
Only took you 8 years. Ahh what a country we live in!
5
You finally realized that Obama gave you eight years pre-Reagan republican policy. Now I am hoping for eight years of pre-Clinton democratic policy.
4
Obama's stature will only grow as the years roll by.
The deluded souls on the right who insist that Obama was divisive or, more absurdly, that he was bent on harming the country, will be grouped with the climate change deniers, evolution doubters and end-times gun fanatics in the zoo of historical oddballs.
Those on the left who see Obama as nothing more than a bloodthirsty drone assassin and corporate cipher might come to regret that they didn't appreciate having such a moral, intelligent person in the top job. You can't be president of the world's richest, most powerful and best-armed country, in a world we have to share with the likes of ISIS, Putin and the Kim family, and not make morally challenging decisions. We should all be glad for those presidents who remain upright.
The gravitational pull of evil is strong. It takes a strong will and a deeply rooted morality not to be pulled into its orbit. Obama has them. Many of those who came before him did not. Who's to say what we might end up with next...
The deluded souls on the right who insist that Obama was divisive or, more absurdly, that he was bent on harming the country, will be grouped with the climate change deniers, evolution doubters and end-times gun fanatics in the zoo of historical oddballs.
Those on the left who see Obama as nothing more than a bloodthirsty drone assassin and corporate cipher might come to regret that they didn't appreciate having such a moral, intelligent person in the top job. You can't be president of the world's richest, most powerful and best-armed country, in a world we have to share with the likes of ISIS, Putin and the Kim family, and not make morally challenging decisions. We should all be glad for those presidents who remain upright.
The gravitational pull of evil is strong. It takes a strong will and a deeply rooted morality not to be pulled into its orbit. Obama has them. Many of those who came before him did not. Who's to say what we might end up with next...
13
In all aspects of life, there are certain things that are taken for granted and therefore overlooked. The basic decency of this president, as a leader of government (albeit not without faults), family man and person with a strong moral compass is being lost in the "doomsday" 2016 Republican primary. Time and history, I believe, will come to view this president as someone who made great strides in America in a very stressful 2 term presidency. Perhaps after his tenure, he will become a voice for the world conscience a la Jimmy Carter.
Lest this go overlooked as well, hats off to you Mr. Brooks, for acknowledging the difference between principled disagreement and ad hominem attacks. Well done.
Lest this go overlooked as well, hats off to you Mr. Brooks, for acknowledging the difference between principled disagreement and ad hominem attacks. Well done.
2
The metaphor David Brooks comes up with to describe "basic care and respect for the dignity of others" is the Obamas joining the board of a charity his reader is involved in. It's time to yank the plug on this editorialist: this is the paper of record and he's literally writing to a handful of plutocrats and oligarchs so small that they're easier to count individually than describe as a percentage of the population. It's not that Brooks is dishonest and tone deaf, although he is, it's that he doesn't even consider normal Americans part of his audience.
3
Because only the plutocrats buy Girl Scout cookies?
There is a deep, deep strain of historical and psychological racism running through this nation (e.g., slavery, civil war, reconstruction laws, "separate but equal", King assassination, etc.). Ironically, the obvious truth of Brooks's characterization of Obama- a moderate man both politically and personally and a highly intelligent human being--is just what makes him so much more resented, scorned, and hated than a white President who did what he has done would be: Obama's very being proves that this racist core so profound in American life wrong. He shows the inherent feeling and implicit assumption of white superiority is not true, and when someone seems to prove you wrong, that can be very disturbing and make you, at least subconsciously, very mad. The "id" of lots of Americans says "I hate this black man for not being inferior."
11
Spot on. Thank you, Rob, for expressing it so eloquently. I was shocked by the open bigotry thrown at him from the start. I remember thinking he would be accepted because he embodied every ideal that white people lecture black people about achieving. I finally came to realize, as you have, that that is exaxtly why they *couldn't* accept him.
3
Well, it's about time you noticed the fine qualities of Barack Obama. Too bad it wasn't sooner; you might've helped stop some of the hate that has been hurled at him, or the rumors being spread by the current Republican campaigns that his administration is totally corrupt.
But you haven't opened your eyes, yet, Mr. Brooks, to the reality of the current campaigns and the worth of Senator Sanders, a totally honest and pragmatic man.
But you haven't opened your eyes, yet, Mr. Brooks, to the reality of the current campaigns and the worth of Senator Sanders, a totally honest and pragmatic man.
7
Quite simply, Mr Obama is the best President of the Greatest Country of the planet. (Note to Trump, America was always great, you needn't try to make it great, again, it never was -- not great -- if anything it became greater during Mr Obama's years as President). Children are watching the elections, the Republican debates, Republican town halls sound so damning and miserable, the children are looking at their parents where is this not so great country they are talking about, huh?
5
This ongoing circus maximus is damaging our image and identity everywhere. It's nothing more than a stage for virulent, negative and often disgusting babble. Makes me question who are we are at our core and what we really stand for. What a quagmire! Makes me shiver.
Enough is enough of the Clinton bashing please.
Enough is enough of the Clinton bashing please.
2
A great column. I'd quibble over only one thing. I think it's easy for those of us in the upper middle class to say that things are pretty good. For us, they are. I have a good job, make good, if not great, money. I'll probably be able to retire relatively comfortably.
But there are a lot of people, a growing number of people, who are not so fortunate. They are not able to buy homes, to save, to build wealth. They are ever on the cusp of a dire situation. I think we ignore that at our peril.
But there are a lot of people, a growing number of people, who are not so fortunate. They are not able to buy homes, to save, to build wealth. They are ever on the cusp of a dire situation. I think we ignore that at our peril.
4
I'll miss him too. He's helped elect more Republicans and sold more guns than any man that's walked the earth.
1
Thanks. Well put, and true. My only quibble is with your assertion that we should protect the health insurance industry. It's great that millions more Americans now have coverage, but shifting the burden for escalating costs and insurance premiums (in part) to the government didn't address the underlying problem driving the health-industrial complex beyond the fundamental need for health care. The collusion between hospitals and insurance companies to ensure that both pad their bottom lines has little to do with care, and all to do with exploiting the consumer. Medicare for all would get everyone on the same page, and closer to a system that is fair to everyone -- provider, and consumer. Sure, the dream may be DOA, given our corrupt congress, but since when did we castigate politicans for articulating a vision that offers a fundamental good to everyone? Let's take what Obama helped create, and make it better.
5
the philosophical departures you hope for will destroy social security and effectively accelerate the growth of wealth and income inequality, as well as undermine the civil society as religious sects (including the one I'm starting that exempts me from all taxation) gain greater control of the public arena. Yes, there were scandals under Reagan and Clinton, but the naked dishonesty of the Iraq war after 9/11 was unforgiveable. At least Obama went after bin laden rather than letting him slip away due to indifference.
2
1. Remember Jeremiah Wright? There was at least one unsightly character in his past.
2.Anyone would have "basic humanity" compared to Donald Trump.
3. Obama didn't consider anyone's views when he made the secret Bergdahl deal and released 5 Taliban prisoners in exchange for one American deserter.
4. Ok, so Rubio had that horrific water-drinking incident. Most of the candidates in this race are quite calm & collected.
5. I will give you his sense of optimism.
And, seriously Mr Brooks?? Please tell me Mr Krugman wrote this and your name was attached by accident.
2.Anyone would have "basic humanity" compared to Donald Trump.
3. Obama didn't consider anyone's views when he made the secret Bergdahl deal and released 5 Taliban prisoners in exchange for one American deserter.
4. Ok, so Rubio had that horrific water-drinking incident. Most of the candidates in this race are quite calm & collected.
5. I will give you his sense of optimism.
And, seriously Mr Brooks?? Please tell me Mr Krugman wrote this and your name was attached by accident.
2
Marco Rubio is no Barack Obama and by the way, Paul Ryan is no Lincoln as you have recently insinuated.
2
I agree with Brooks on many things, this too, except I think for him or anybody to clump Sanders' campaign sentiment with the likes of Trump, Cruz, or Carson is equally fairy-tale and lazy analysis. Sanders speaks to the works of people like Piketty on economics, McKibben on climate, and MLK on civil rights, which almost all DC intellectuals and columnist warmly embrace until a candidate like Sanders uses what they reframe as “radical” and rigid political platforms to mobilize support on these issues which are true cause for concern. I will miss Obama for everything Brooks mentioned and more. But I also think Brooks -- even though a self-proclaimed “quasi marxist” (his words not mine) tends to ride the middle just to point out wrongs on both sides and say “both sides are wrong, I’m right.” Paul Krugman used to make fun of the fake centrists. Too bad Paul is one of them now too or else he might point at David Brooks and laugh.
2
Barack Obama will be remembered loftily by history - for recovering from the worst economic crisis since FDR, for peace with Iran and Cuba, for Obamacare, for killing Osama Bin Laden -
- but he will not suffer from the comparison of having Bill Clinton and Dick Cheney precede him and probably will be helped by having Hillary Clinton or Ted Cruz after him
- but he has become responsible for the utter destruction of the Republican party for a generation - a vast electoral firewall of women, minorities, Jews and money from Hollywood to Silicon Valley now heads to the Democratic party, whoever the nominee.
- but he will not suffer from the comparison of having Bill Clinton and Dick Cheney precede him and probably will be helped by having Hillary Clinton or Ted Cruz after him
- but he has become responsible for the utter destruction of the Republican party for a generation - a vast electoral firewall of women, minorities, Jews and money from Hollywood to Silicon Valley now heads to the Democratic party, whoever the nominee.
How is Obama responsible for the destruction of the Republican party?
To pick up on David Brooks's "pornography of pessimism": Barack Obama is the single most admirable man to hold the Presidency in my lifetime. (I'm 64.) The mischaracterization of his character and political motivations by the Republican part and its presidential candidates is a measure of the utter perversity, verging on depravity, of what passes for "conservative" political thought in this country today. Unfortunately, for all of his mild-manneredness, David Brooks has contributed to this situation by turning a very blind eye to truly seditious efforts of Republican demagogues from Ronald Reagan on to undermine the essential principles of our democracy.
9
They don't call him "No drama Obama" for nothing.
10
Sad to hear a Republican say that he misses Obama already. I think it's a testament to the final collapse of the left. (Just look at the Democratic Party now! I'm not sure if it wants to be the Labour Party UK or the Conservative Party UK, or something else entirely.) Like everyone else here, I agree that Mr. Obama has exercised quite a bit of self-restraint — though he could have loosened up and been more ambitious.
1
Agree with him, disagree with him...Barack Obama is and has been a class act. The relative absence of scandal in the executive branch is, unfortunately, a breath of fresh air. I'm not sure that this high standard of ethicality and decorum will be maintained a year from now.
7
David, these are very good points! I couldn't agree with you more. It pains me to say it to because I'm against most of Obama's policies as well.
However, to be fair we have to go back to Obama's presidency running days if we want to compare apples to apples. It's the process of campaigning and politics that sometimes brings out the most unsavory sides of people.
People are put in a room to debate with lots of cameras and people: it's hard to maintain your composure. There is so much at stake, I personally couldn't fathom that kind of pressure. If you look at old footage of Obama when he was running, he dropped the ball a lot too. Over the years, he's definitely grown into his role as president. He didn't dot he best job, but he also didn't do the worst according to the Pew Research Center. (http://pewrsr.ch/1TSoTb7) When I'm abroad, I'm not ashamed that he's our president. For some of the candidates in this year's election, I would be completely embarrassed if they were president.
There are big, no huge, shoes to fill in the white house.
However, to be fair we have to go back to Obama's presidency running days if we want to compare apples to apples. It's the process of campaigning and politics that sometimes brings out the most unsavory sides of people.
People are put in a room to debate with lots of cameras and people: it's hard to maintain your composure. There is so much at stake, I personally couldn't fathom that kind of pressure. If you look at old footage of Obama when he was running, he dropped the ball a lot too. Over the years, he's definitely grown into his role as president. He didn't dot he best job, but he also didn't do the worst according to the Pew Research Center. (http://pewrsr.ch/1TSoTb7) When I'm abroad, I'm not ashamed that he's our president. For some of the candidates in this year's election, I would be completely embarrassed if they were president.
There are big, no huge, shoes to fill in the white house.
4
"Overconfidence is one of Obama's great flaws". Can someone parse David's columns from 2000 - 2008 and see how many times Bush/Cheney were characterized as overconfident? It's not overconfidence, David. It's just a black guy who's much smarter than you.
10
David Brooks, Please send this column to the Republican members of the House and the Senate! They have behaved like little children since the day that Barack Obama was elected in 2008 and today have showed some of the worst behavior in not even considering the budget that is being proposed to run our country. This is the pits...what kind of leadership are they demonstrating? They want Americans to elect Republicans to office? I only wish that I could vote for Barack Obama again...he outshines all of the candidates in both parties! I salute Barack and Michelle Obama for the grace that they have demonstrated under the worse pressure and prejudice that a President has had to endure!
11
Someone else must have written this by now, but the President is to be forgiven for not being temperamentally perfect. He has been subject to more disrespect and unfounded vilification than any decent man to hold the highest office. And just who and where is any temperamentally perfect person? The Dalai Lama?
9
Mr. Brooks, if you think you miss President Obama now...just wait. It is not his character and style that you will be missing. Try unmitigated peace and prosperity...now, that is something you will really miss.
But as far as character is concerned, you left out the most important character of Obama's Presidency, COURAGE. It takes tremendous courage to not being baited into senseless wars. ISIS and al Qaeda have only one hope for the future, and that is for America to elect a weak and temperamental president that they can lure into war. Thankfully, President Obama understands that America is the varsity team.
But as far as character is concerned, you left out the most important character of Obama's Presidency, COURAGE. It takes tremendous courage to not being baited into senseless wars. ISIS and al Qaeda have only one hope for the future, and that is for America to elect a weak and temperamental president that they can lure into war. Thankfully, President Obama understands that America is the varsity team.
19
Yes an outstanding man regardless of your agreement on his ideas. However David i must again take you to tak for your ongoing ignorance of policy. To attack saunders with the usual WSJ type propaganda without the facts is inexcusable.
Some facts:
The idea is that yes there will be an increased tax for the health plan but it will be much less then the amount a person or family is paying now. A person who makes $50,000 a year will have a $3,000 savings. Thats like adding $3,000 to your income per year, Also, the employers lose the ability to use health care costs for the reason for no wage increase.
Projected costs over the next 10nyeras and the savings and tax changes add up to a Bottom line of Net savings (compared to present system) 5 Trillion!!.
Some facts:
The idea is that yes there will be an increased tax for the health plan but it will be much less then the amount a person or family is paying now. A person who makes $50,000 a year will have a $3,000 savings. Thats like adding $3,000 to your income per year, Also, the employers lose the ability to use health care costs for the reason for no wage increase.
Projected costs over the next 10nyeras and the savings and tax changes add up to a Bottom line of Net savings (compared to present system) 5 Trillion!!.
5
Hooray David! The decency and optimism for the future of the United States
in the face of the well known vow by Republicans to oppose President
Obama at every opportunity has been a disgrace to our country. He has done
every thing possible to do the decent and correct thing for the country. As
to the Middle East-who in the entire world has answer to that dilemma. Please
ask that person to come forward. Bombing and starving are not the answer.
in the face of the well known vow by Republicans to oppose President
Obama at every opportunity has been a disgrace to our country. He has done
every thing possible to do the decent and correct thing for the country. As
to the Middle East-who in the entire world has answer to that dilemma. Please
ask that person to come forward. Bombing and starving are not the answer.
6
This has been possibly the greatest presidency of my lifetime, and you, Mr Brooks, in large part missed it.
23
I can't agree with this assessment of Pres. Obama, as there is a negative side to his personality. He has divided the nation in many ways. In the area of race, he has brought about a sense of us vs. them time and again, from his "acted stupidly" comment about the Cambridge, Mass. police, through Ferguson, Baltimore, and elsewhere. He called the Republicans the "enemy" in a radio interview; did Reagan ever called Democrats America's enemy? He rammed through Obamacare without building a consensus and making people feel good about it. Reagan used to meet regularly with Tip O'Neill and others across the aisle, while Obama has cut himself off from his "enemies." Obama has used executive orders in novel and surprising ways, bypassing legislators (remember them, the ones who make laws?). I think the mildly negative job approval ratings he regularly gets in polls are justified: he has not done a terrible job, but it has been more negative than positive. We wouldn't have Trump or Sanders if, after seven years of Obama, people had a sense of satisfaction or a sense of national unity. Obama always blames others, including previous presidents. For his part, Harry Trumann said "the buck stops here." Maybe that is the kind of presidential personality that Brooks should miss.
5
I, too, am not a fact of our President's policies, but I concede Brooks' points. Obama never embarrassed himself or the US -- that's really something.
6
I have always felt Obama has maintained a degree of grace, dignity and poise (i.e. he was "presidential") while enduring a greater degree of disrespect than any other president in recent history. It's appalling to me how some conservatives feel any attack on him is justified, regardless of the fact that he is the president.
Disagreement with his policies and approach is completely appropriate, but the personal attacks made on him and his family have been beyond the pale of respectable civic discourse.
I never cared for Bush II, but I also never questioned his love of country and that he tried to make the right decisions as he saw them. As evidenced by Rubio's latest attacks among others, the conservative critics of Obama won't even acknowledge that.
Disagreement with his policies and approach is completely appropriate, but the personal attacks made on him and his family have been beyond the pale of respectable civic discourse.
I never cared for Bush II, but I also never questioned his love of country and that he tried to make the right decisions as he saw them. As evidenced by Rubio's latest attacks among others, the conservative critics of Obama won't even acknowledge that.
9
David Brooks, I don't usually agree with you. But I agree with you here. I am going to miss President Obama as well. I hope that many will feel some regret for the vitriol they've heaped on this dignified, intelligent, considerate, rational, eloquent, respectful, graceful man with an incredible inner strength, a mind as sharp as tacks, a disarming smile and an easy laugh. I have been proud to have him as the representative of our nation.
12
Thanks, Mr. Brooks, for your important call-outs here. I voted for Obama despite being Libertarianesque re the Federal government and opposing much of Obama's policies precisely because I felt and still feel he promotes a discourse and civicism that is necessary for us to then have the difficult decisions to make the big changes (even as the changes I wish for are 70% of the time ideologically the opposite of the ones Obama wants). I had hoped his example would be taken up and have been disappointed by the public's and political leadership's unwillingness to do so. Perhaps his absence will be more instructive and remind us of how most of us were simply raised to act.
2
Heartening to read a positive article about Obama, when the vitriol unleashed by the GOP candidates seems to overshadow the historic political legacy left by this remarkable leader. I wholeheartedly agree that Obama is appreciated and respected much more overseas than at home. This is a President who took over when the US economy was in tatters, held fast against rushing in with spurs into the quagmire of wars in the middle east, took a measured view of hostile Putin and has been a force of peace in many many conflicts across the world.
Obamacare is not perfect, but it should have been considered a start towards a perfect healthcare system. Hey, even Apple fans know that its products are best bought 6 months later, after they iron out the flaws. Why denigrate Obamacare as failed instead of bipartisan work to iron out the kinks?
Barack Obama stands head and shoulders above the rest of the political class. Too bad his legacy goes unappreciated by a majority of Americans.
Obamacare is not perfect, but it should have been considered a start towards a perfect healthcare system. Hey, even Apple fans know that its products are best bought 6 months later, after they iron out the flaws. Why denigrate Obamacare as failed instead of bipartisan work to iron out the kinks?
Barack Obama stands head and shoulders above the rest of the political class. Too bad his legacy goes unappreciated by a majority of Americans.
10
I am not talkin' politics here...I'm talking about humanity.
We, the people have long missed honor and dignity as hallmarks of the presidency ...until the Obamas brought it back to the White House. How sad that Congress did everything in its power to besmirch the very grace he restored.
The behavior of the Obamas has been impeccable. They have been gracious hosts, scandal free, and the purveyors of warmth the likes of which we have not seen since the Kennedy years. You can't fake the stuff.
When I see what we have looming in the wings as successors to this graceful family, it chills me to the bone.
Being POTUS is about a certain amount of grace under fire. It's about dignity. It's about character. These are old fashioned virtues disappearing in the instant news cycle and relentless misinterpretation of every breath by half-baked social media.
Our current field of candidates are the Golems that We, the People, have created all by ourselves. They kinda looks human, act human, but are not quite human. The are all caricatures of what politicians are supposed to be. Not all started out to be grotesqye, but that is what they have all become ...all in an effort to be "up to speed" in media mania.
David, on this we agree. It's a miracle.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
We, the people have long missed honor and dignity as hallmarks of the presidency ...until the Obamas brought it back to the White House. How sad that Congress did everything in its power to besmirch the very grace he restored.
The behavior of the Obamas has been impeccable. They have been gracious hosts, scandal free, and the purveyors of warmth the likes of which we have not seen since the Kennedy years. You can't fake the stuff.
When I see what we have looming in the wings as successors to this graceful family, it chills me to the bone.
Being POTUS is about a certain amount of grace under fire. It's about dignity. It's about character. These are old fashioned virtues disappearing in the instant news cycle and relentless misinterpretation of every breath by half-baked social media.
Our current field of candidates are the Golems that We, the People, have created all by ourselves. They kinda looks human, act human, but are not quite human. The are all caricatures of what politicians are supposed to be. Not all started out to be grotesqye, but that is what they have all become ...all in an effort to be "up to speed" in media mania.
David, on this we agree. It's a miracle.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
5
"Pornography of Pessimism!" A very apt description of GOP hopefuls, leaders, and Republican talking heads. Any chance we can amend the Constitution in time for Obama to win his third term?
1
Obviously there are ways to implement a single payer system without destroying the country or even the insurance industry. I'm sure, if pressed, Mr. Brooks, a very intelligent man, could outline one. I can see a path myself. Employer based health care is not free. It's part of a workers compensation. They often have to pay a portion of the premium and also are responsible for copays and deductibles. If we went to single payer those costs could be paid as taxes to support the program. They might be sufficient (we do need an analysis of the costs) to cover the increase in Federal outlays. This combined with the power of the universal plan to negotiate prices, like drug costs (the stupid law that does not allow this would have to be removed) plus the decrease of administrative costs from an average of 15% to 3% would also provide huge savings. So there would still be a cost to Americans but a much smaller cost. The insurance industry would be impacted massively and would have to change to being administrators of the government program but would continue to provide life insurance and some others like long term care. However, taking the profit motive out of our right to health care to support our pursuit of happiness is worth the disruption of the insurance industry. It would not be easy but it is doable.
4
"Disdainful, aloof, resentful and insular" are qualities that might keep one going as a black man in an ocean of white privilege and racism. You might consider just what kind of personal qualities it takes to break through to the White House as a black man before you become so entirely dismissive.
8
This column is a model for how you criticize on fair grounds, and without being a lying jerk.
One wishes that people'd take the hint, but I can't see it happening.
Oh, and by the way, Mr. Brooks is right on two counts: that while we have problems, we're by far better off that pretty much anyplace else, and that Bernie Sanders is simply not going to get elected.
Sorry, and I rather wish he would. But the math doesn't work out, period, and I don't mean just in terms of his wishful health insurance plans. Folks, the tens of millions who get employer-sponsored health insurance (and their unions) are not, repeat not, going to vote to give up those bennies in exchange for weaker plans and a 6-8 percent tax increase. Not going to happen.
If you think it will, I'd ask you to look at two things: a) that Sanders' strongest supporter here lives in Canada an, one assumes, can't vote; b) the demographic history of who actually turns out to vote.
One wishes that people'd take the hint, but I can't see it happening.
Oh, and by the way, Mr. Brooks is right on two counts: that while we have problems, we're by far better off that pretty much anyplace else, and that Bernie Sanders is simply not going to get elected.
Sorry, and I rather wish he would. But the math doesn't work out, period, and I don't mean just in terms of his wishful health insurance plans. Folks, the tens of millions who get employer-sponsored health insurance (and their unions) are not, repeat not, going to vote to give up those bennies in exchange for weaker plans and a 6-8 percent tax increase. Not going to happen.
If you think it will, I'd ask you to look at two things: a) that Sanders' strongest supporter here lives in Canada an, one assumes, can't vote; b) the demographic history of who actually turns out to vote.
6
Dear David,
Nice article, and factually true. Indeed the Obama Family must be admired for the image & love they displayed, & this will be their legacy. Unfortunately, this will be over shadowed by his feckless leadership in foreign policy.It seemed he did whatever he could to prevent us from getting involved in another boots on the ground confrontation, but by backing away from Russian Aggression,He has allowed the Shiite Axis to keep Assad in power, Iran to be rewarded for a deal that was a Sham, will come back to bite us & whomever is our next President will be forced to involve us in another Middle East War, as by the end of Obama's tenure in office, Russia will be calling the shots & control the events in the middle East.Assad will remain in office, & Iran will have nuclear weapons supplied by Russia made with the nuclear fuel Iran sent to Russia.Israel will be forced to neutralize Iran's nuclear threat, & the threat of a nuclear war starting in the middle east will become a reality.Hardly a legacy for Obama to leave.
Nice article, and factually true. Indeed the Obama Family must be admired for the image & love they displayed, & this will be their legacy. Unfortunately, this will be over shadowed by his feckless leadership in foreign policy.It seemed he did whatever he could to prevent us from getting involved in another boots on the ground confrontation, but by backing away from Russian Aggression,He has allowed the Shiite Axis to keep Assad in power, Iran to be rewarded for a deal that was a Sham, will come back to bite us & whomever is our next President will be forced to involve us in another Middle East War, as by the end of Obama's tenure in office, Russia will be calling the shots & control the events in the middle East.Assad will remain in office, & Iran will have nuclear weapons supplied by Russia made with the nuclear fuel Iran sent to Russia.Israel will be forced to neutralize Iran's nuclear threat, & the threat of a nuclear war starting in the middle east will become a reality.Hardly a legacy for Obama to leave.
2
"Unfortunately, this will be over shadowed by his feckless leadership in foreign policy."...I would like to be able to place a bet with you. The trouble with too many Americans is that they imagine there should be a quick fix to every problem. Absent a quick fix they conclude that the effort has been a failure. Successful foreign policy and diplomacy usually require the long game. The war between Shia and Suuni didn't just happen yesterday; it has been going on for 1300 years. Further I think you will find that Russia has dug itself into a hole which will be difficult to climb out of, and one way or another Assad is finished. My bet is that in 15 years we will have much better relations with Iran and even if we don't, we won't be any worse of than we were when negotiations were initiated. Add to that a lot of American soldiers that are still alive and I think History will be rather kind to the Obama foreign policy.
7
"The Obama administration has been remarkably scandal-free. Think of the way Iran-contra or the Lewinsky scandals swallowed years from Reagan and Clinton. We’ve had very little of that from Obama. He and his staff have generally behaved with basic rectitude. Hillary Clinton is constantly having to hold these defensive press conferences when she’s trying to explain away some vaguely shady shortcut she’s taken, or decision she has made, but Obama has not had to do that."
Neither would Bernie. Just sayin'.
Neither would Bernie. Just sayin'.
2
You continue to puzzle me. You present yourself as a reasonable person -- I find it almost impossible to believe that you share the racism, xenophobia, homophobia and general meanness of spirit of the current Republican party. You can't possibly believe that Republican leadership is better for the economy. Yet you continue to be a sympathizer. What are you after? What sort of philosophical change are you hoping for, after eight years of this brilliant, compassionate, measured leader, who was far more middle-of-the road than many of us wished?
8
I daresay if you miss Barack Obama now, you'll REALLY miss him later. Especially given the front-row circus of things to come. Amazing how we humans only seem to get the picture once the curtain has come down.
For all the problems and grievances he inherited, it's fair to say that President Obama did the best he could with the cards he was given. His dignity, often derided as being aloof, was always a mainstay in tense diplomatic situation, when others might have crumbled. Few leaders on the world stage today have been able to maintain such grace under fire. And the fire has been relentless. From both within our own country, and abroad. So a note of thanks to Mr. Brooks for recognizing, and stating out loud what many of us have known all along . And Hail to the Chief.
For all the problems and grievances he inherited, it's fair to say that President Obama did the best he could with the cards he was given. His dignity, often derided as being aloof, was always a mainstay in tense diplomatic situation, when others might have crumbled. Few leaders on the world stage today have been able to maintain such grace under fire. And the fire has been relentless. From both within our own country, and abroad. So a note of thanks to Mr. Brooks for recognizing, and stating out loud what many of us have known all along . And Hail to the Chief.
11
Only now does Mr. Brooks realize that President Obama has superior integrity, intelligence, rectitude, respect for the dignity of others, etc., etc., etc.
I wonder where Mr. Brooks was when Republican opposition and the press complained bitterly that Obama was to professorial, too intellectual, that he didn't 'reach across the aisle,' that he didn't do enough to encourage bi-partisan agreement on policy?
No doubt he, Mr. Brooks and others, embraced the above conventional wisdom about Obama and his presidential approach to issues. We're reminded here of the constant obstruction Obama has faced from the darling Republicans - and we all remember the disgraceful 'you lie' shouted during a State of the Union address.
What hypocrisy in this column.
I wonder where Mr. Brooks was when Republican opposition and the press complained bitterly that Obama was to professorial, too intellectual, that he didn't 'reach across the aisle,' that he didn't do enough to encourage bi-partisan agreement on policy?
No doubt he, Mr. Brooks and others, embraced the above conventional wisdom about Obama and his presidential approach to issues. We're reminded here of the constant obstruction Obama has faced from the darling Republicans - and we all remember the disgraceful 'you lie' shouted during a State of the Union address.
What hypocrisy in this column.
6
Yes utterly disgusting. Mr. Brooks enabled the extremists in the GOP and their vile, unprincipled, racist and seditionist opposition to the President. He and his party have a lot to answer for, and we can only hope they will be reduced to a splinter group of kooks and malcontents after November. What will Mr. Brooks say then? I'm sure that will also be all Obama's fault.
1
Mr. Brooks, BREAKING NEWS this is not. Most of us who campaigned and voted for Mr. Obama recognized these traits 8 years ago. That being said, the mere fact that you acknowledged these traits makes you an outlier on the Republican side and I give you credit for it. It won’t take 8 years for me. See how that works?
9
"Classy"--that's the word you are looking for, David. Mr. Obama, and Mrs. Obama, have class. they are classy. Man, will I miss them.
25
I dread an impending relapse of "Clinton fatigue."
I would be the first to admit that Barack Obama has flaws, but compared to the current crop of "candidates" he appears a saint. That Mr. Brooks is finally able to admit that after almost 8 years of supporting an alternate view is truly amazing. Oh the irony...
8
The light of history will shine brightly on the presidency of Barack Obama.
The multiplicity of issues with which he has had to deal during these 8 years revealed his strength of character, his humanity, his global awareness, and his ability to govern wisely. I am proud to have lived through his terms of office.
The multiplicity of issues with which he has had to deal during these 8 years revealed his strength of character, his humanity, his global awareness, and his ability to govern wisely. I am proud to have lived through his terms of office.
10
Humanity is a key component of an individual; if you have that it brings out the others - respect, tolerance, fair-play (no gerrymandering, etc) or dignity even!
Unless we make the right choices in 2016, the course we take will be difficult to change.
Unless we make the right choices in 2016, the course we take will be difficult to change.
2
“Bernie Sanders, by contrast, has been so blinded by his values that the reality of the situation does not seem to penetrate his mind.”
Don't confuse exasperation with ideological fanaticism. Sanders is rightly frustrated by the foot-dragging and lack of political will—or even just common sense—in Washington. Just ask Robert Reich.
Don't confuse exasperation with ideological fanaticism. Sanders is rightly frustrated by the foot-dragging and lack of political will—or even just common sense—in Washington. Just ask Robert Reich.
5
Mr. Brooks. You eloquently remind us of the attributes of this exemplary president. It's interesting that you display the opposite of the decency and integrity you so admire when you describe Sanders, and especially when you coin the phrase "Sanderscare". A term like this has power: "Sander" and "scare". If Sanders' heathcare plan is really all that unrealistic then why not just describe why instead of perpetuating the fear mongering that is so destructive and even unethical.
4
David, even more than Barack Obama I suspect you miss the Republican Party that could field a decent, electable candidate for President. You probably feel nostalgic for the good old days of the Eisenhower Administration.
5
As I lifelong centrist and independent, I will be much happier if and when the Republican Party nominates someone for whom I could consider casting my vote. That will mean the our political system has re-established some form of balance.
1
I also think that the Obamas have done a great job with their daughters, keeping them grounded and well-mannered. I really do wish this family the best for their future.
9
So now we face a choice of competence & experience over...Rubio's charming immaturity ?
Hillary Clinton has been hounded by smears & exaggerated doubts when she too shares some of Pbama's basic soundness. She is sane & knowledgeable.
Is this a reach for voters...to pick the best qualified candidate ? Or are we boucing off the walls, chasing flamboyance, rabble-rousing and bloody-shirt wwaving ?
Hillary Clinton has been hounded by smears & exaggerated doubts when she too shares some of Pbama's basic soundness. She is sane & knowledgeable.
Is this a reach for voters...to pick the best qualified candidate ? Or are we boucing off the walls, chasing flamboyance, rabble-rousing and bloody-shirt wwaving ?
5
You have no idea how much I appreciate this article. People love to hate on Obama, and it's a sickening part of our culture. He is a decent man that has represented our country well with integrity.
40
We all know that , and most likely will come out as books after Obama leaves the WH, Racism and it last throes in USA.
I believe what Obama faced last 8 years is little to do about his personality and more todo with his skin color.
Obama is one of a rare cool person In the history of politics and easily compete with Hollywood's cool guys.
some people says aloof and withdrawn but he is in fact very controlled but uptight, cool wisdom Obama has.
So what was all that violent reaction from the Right wing extremists, Racism pure and simple.
I believe what Obama faced last 8 years is little to do about his personality and more todo with his skin color.
Obama is one of a rare cool person In the history of politics and easily compete with Hollywood's cool guys.
some people says aloof and withdrawn but he is in fact very controlled but uptight, cool wisdom Obama has.
So what was all that violent reaction from the Right wing extremists, Racism pure and simple.
3
I'm glad to see that David Brooks can acknowledge some of the many positive aspects of President Barack Obama's personality and tenure.
While I do not agree with some of the president's actions (the drone war, the prioritization of a bailout of Wall Street before everything and everyone else) or policies (the neoliberal push for charter schools, the lack of support for public unions, etc.), it is clear that he has done a remarkable job in the face of the catastrophic situation he inherited when he took office in January 2009. We will be a better country in the long run, and I can say without hesitation that I have loved having him, Mrs. Obama, their daughters, and her mother in the White House. Every day that I see him in office gives me hope for the future.
Whoever wins in 2016, whatever happens, I will be able to say that I voted for our first black president twice, and his transformative tenure has made our country better. Many of his critics may never concede this, but I'm glad to see David Brooks can.
While I do not agree with some of the president's actions (the drone war, the prioritization of a bailout of Wall Street before everything and everyone else) or policies (the neoliberal push for charter schools, the lack of support for public unions, etc.), it is clear that he has done a remarkable job in the face of the catastrophic situation he inherited when he took office in January 2009. We will be a better country in the long run, and I can say without hesitation that I have loved having him, Mrs. Obama, their daughters, and her mother in the White House. Every day that I see him in office gives me hope for the future.
Whoever wins in 2016, whatever happens, I will be able to say that I voted for our first black president twice, and his transformative tenure has made our country better. Many of his critics may never concede this, but I'm glad to see David Brooks can.
10
If the banks failed we would have risked a global depression and all the folks who think it's miserable for them now would have met real misery, dust bowl on the Richter Scale. Without banks you don't have an economy, no market for buy and sell, no jobs, no paychecks, no healthcare, no nothing. I appreciate Mr. Obama taking care of first things first. He was and is a great President and deserved a better moment in history, and an opposition that didn't slither, hiss and spit venom, which they continue to do.
1
Thank you Mr. Brooks for your candid, assessment.
You demonstrate that you are willing to acknowledge Obama's strengths as you see policy choices differently. Your civility as a member of the opposing party speaks volumes about your character.
Please talk to other Republicans about how they can conduct themselves with dignity and class, so lacking, often non-existent, in today's hostile Republican political environment.
You demonstrate that you are willing to acknowledge Obama's strengths as you see policy choices differently. Your civility as a member of the opposing party speaks volumes about your character.
Please talk to other Republicans about how they can conduct themselves with dignity and class, so lacking, often non-existent, in today's hostile Republican political environment.
6
When did we become such an anxious, angry, mean spirited country?
7
When the Republican party decided that they would not be gracious losers.
2
With the onset of 24/7 information ... especially "news" information.
Mr. Brooks, I generally find your take on most things political to be out-of-touch and elitist, so I am surprised at how I can't find fault with anything you have written here. Thank you. However, you do realize, don't you, that the seeds of the anger, dysfunction, and ugliness that characterizes the Republican Party today, and that you lament so passionately, were sown in the hallowed days of your sainted Ronald Reagan, with his talk of welfare queens and government being the problem. The ricochets from Reagan to Willie Horton to Clinton triangle-ism to "compassionate conservatism" are easy to follow. And now here we are, the Age of Fox News. Your sorrow smacks of the drunk driver who is so sorry for mowing down innocent pedestrians.
9
Does David Brooks really believe the political point of view in his NYT columns? I've always wondered.
Thank you Mr Brooks for saying much better than I could what fine examples of humanity are Barack Obama and his family. Several generations from now he will be venerated most of all for leading the U.S. out of the global warming dark ages.
4
Yeah, but you know that you'll vote for whomever has the "R" after his name, even though you know he isn't the best qualified candidate. But thanks for being honest about one of America's most honest Presidents, possibly the last we'll see for a generation.
4
Bravo. Well said.
1
Given Mr. Brooks' track record of being enchanted with Mr. Obama ('pants crease' comes to mind), I honestly mis-read the column title as, "I am Miss Obama."
Mr. Brooks:
Trying to beat the closing of the comments sec. The praise that you now heap on a departing Obama is laughable. Now, you turn your venomous attention to Bernie Sanders. Should he get elected you will treat him with the same lack of regard that you have shown the Obama administration. Integrity is not something you have discovered on the road to character.
Trying to beat the closing of the comments sec. The praise that you now heap on a departing Obama is laughable. Now, you turn your venomous attention to Bernie Sanders. Should he get elected you will treat him with the same lack of regard that you have shown the Obama administration. Integrity is not something you have discovered on the road to character.
12
That's not the only thing David Brooks misses. He also misses the old Republican Party, which is disappearing into a miasma of fake populism and anti-intellectualism.
13
What's sad is that over my lifetime, the Republican Party has devolved from applying complex thought and objective fact to solve national problems, into the exact opposite. It is now capable only of binary choices, with its goal reduced to destroying the Democratic Party and its members, regardless of the fallout.
Constantly trying to "impeach" democratically elected presidents is a subversion of democracy. Refusing to acknowledge there is ever goodness or wisdom in your opponents is a subversion of humanity. It dehumanizes fellow citizens and makes them alien enemies to be conquered. It drags everyone down.
Mr. Brooks, you too have watched this happen, but chose somehow to justify and support it it, over and over, until we reach today, when you realize the truth of how far we have fallen. This is not the America you or I believe in. It's time for rational people of both parties to speak out clear and loud. Looking at you, David Brooks.
Constantly trying to "impeach" democratically elected presidents is a subversion of democracy. Refusing to acknowledge there is ever goodness or wisdom in your opponents is a subversion of humanity. It dehumanizes fellow citizens and makes them alien enemies to be conquered. It drags everyone down.
Mr. Brooks, you too have watched this happen, but chose somehow to justify and support it it, over and over, until we reach today, when you realize the truth of how far we have fallen. This is not the America you or I believe in. It's time for rational people of both parties to speak out clear and loud. Looking at you, David Brooks.
6
David Brooks has written what I feel, minus the policy disagreements. President Obama belongs on Mount Rushmore. He will be remembered by historians as one of the greats.
11
I'm amazed at the denial in this piece. Obama has lied about virtually everything during the past eight years. The only reason why his administration is "scandal-free" is because Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch refuse to prosecute any of the numerous crimes committed by Democrats.
Fast and Furious, the IRS targeting of conservatives, Benghazi/Libya, the numerous Obamacare lies and failures, the VA scandals, the unconstitutional executive orders, the immigration non-enforcement, Hillary's emails...
The list is endless. And the liberal media covers everything up. Pathetic.
Fast and Furious, the IRS targeting of conservatives, Benghazi/Libya, the numerous Obamacare lies and failures, the VA scandals, the unconstitutional executive orders, the immigration non-enforcement, Hillary's emails...
The list is endless. And the liberal media covers everything up. Pathetic.
1
This wouldn't be such a terrible column if Brooks had adhered to the integrity he claims to admire in Obama.
It is disingenous lumping Sanders together with Trump, Cruz and Ben Carson whose behavior is more suited to the schoolyard than a forum about the most serious issues facing the US.
Regarding them as serious is hardly a "pornography of pessimism", though one can allow Mr Brooks his alliteration even if it misses the point.
His GOP colleagues are prone to dire predictions about the imminent collapse of America as we know it. What they're usually railing against is the darkening hues of our demographics, even though they're loathe to admit it.
Can Mr Brooks have forgotten all the "birther" vitriol leveled by his friends at the President he's about to miss ?
While he is passionate about fairness and the collapse of the middle-class due to widening inequality - which the motley GOP candidates promote shamelessly - Sanders hardly sees America as collapsing.
Expanding healthcare to all without deductibles and co-payments is hardly irresponsible It's difficult to imagine dissatisfied customers, but the insurance industry's nose might be out of joint. Reducing student debt and increasing access to college is hardly "epic social disruption", but future-oriented
As for the Middle East. In voting against the Iraq war along with Obama, Sanders hardly displays the atrocious judgment of the GOP.
We won't miss Mr Brooks, because he's not going away.
It is disingenous lumping Sanders together with Trump, Cruz and Ben Carson whose behavior is more suited to the schoolyard than a forum about the most serious issues facing the US.
Regarding them as serious is hardly a "pornography of pessimism", though one can allow Mr Brooks his alliteration even if it misses the point.
His GOP colleagues are prone to dire predictions about the imminent collapse of America as we know it. What they're usually railing against is the darkening hues of our demographics, even though they're loathe to admit it.
Can Mr Brooks have forgotten all the "birther" vitriol leveled by his friends at the President he's about to miss ?
While he is passionate about fairness and the collapse of the middle-class due to widening inequality - which the motley GOP candidates promote shamelessly - Sanders hardly sees America as collapsing.
Expanding healthcare to all without deductibles and co-payments is hardly irresponsible It's difficult to imagine dissatisfied customers, but the insurance industry's nose might be out of joint. Reducing student debt and increasing access to college is hardly "epic social disruption", but future-oriented
As for the Middle East. In voting against the Iraq war along with Obama, Sanders hardly displays the atrocious judgment of the GOP.
We won't miss Mr Brooks, because he's not going away.
3
I am a bedrock progressive but this is why I have plenty of room to enjoy David Brooks. I would be willing to meet in a fair middle if it meant dealing with people like David.
6
Come on over to our side, David. It's been fun to watch you reconsider your Republican affiliation over the past year or so. Admit it, you're just not a Republican at heart anymore. Go ahead and jump! The Republicans don't have a candidate who's anything like Obama, so you'll just have to be a Democrat.
7
I voted for Bill Clinton twice and I voted for Barack Obama twice. Believe me when I tell you that it's been a great relief these last eight years not to have to wake up every morning to NPR anticipating what the next great overnight scandal was.
8
This column is full of contradictions. Brooks misses Obama because he's an honest decent man, but slams Sanders who by all accounts is an honest decent man. Do you care about personal morality or policy? If you care about policy, I'd argue Clinton has been the best President in years. If you care about personal morality, it's Obama. Personally all I care about is how a president leads the country, not whether he has affairs.
4
Re scandals and corruption: "We’ve had very little of that from Obama."
Actually, David, we've had NONE of that. 8 years, no scandals. Show me the last president we can say that about.
Actually, David, we've had NONE of that. 8 years, no scandals. Show me the last president we can say that about.
10
1. "Retreat of democracies"? There was a time when governing parties listened to, and represented the interests of, the people they were elected to serve, rather than ram NAFTA and similar ruinous projects down our throats at the behest of corporate scoundrels.
2. "Tribalism mounts"? There was a time when left parties united people on economic issues, which could and did overcome the tribalism and could and did cross ethnic, linguistic and religious divides. People like Jeremy Corbin and Bernie Sanders can hopefully restore that unity.
3. "Suspiciousness takes center stage"? When Edward Snowden (much thanks to him) revealed that the NSA is vacuuming up the private lives of all of us, why shouldn't we feel suspicious? And when our rulers unite in stating their plans to throw Ed Snowden under a prison, as they did with Chelsea Manning, why shouldn't we feel that they are not acting in OUR interests?
4. "Authoritarianism"? When unelected Eurocrats tell their populations that "we know what's best for you," is that a kind of authoritarianism that you find ok?
I hope people like Bernie Sanders, Jeremy Corbyn, and the left parties in Greece and Spain can counter this. A lot of us are depending on it.
2. "Tribalism mounts"? There was a time when left parties united people on economic issues, which could and did overcome the tribalism and could and did cross ethnic, linguistic and religious divides. People like Jeremy Corbin and Bernie Sanders can hopefully restore that unity.
3. "Suspiciousness takes center stage"? When Edward Snowden (much thanks to him) revealed that the NSA is vacuuming up the private lives of all of us, why shouldn't we feel suspicious? And when our rulers unite in stating their plans to throw Ed Snowden under a prison, as they did with Chelsea Manning, why shouldn't we feel that they are not acting in OUR interests?
4. "Authoritarianism"? When unelected Eurocrats tell their populations that "we know what's best for you," is that a kind of authoritarianism that you find ok?
I hope people like Bernie Sanders, Jeremy Corbyn, and the left parties in Greece and Spain can counter this. A lot of us are depending on it.
3
This is so true. Perfectly said.
4
Thank you Mr. Brooks. I was born when Ike was president. None have matched Obama's grace.
10
Wait. Is this a joke? Did I just read about Barrack Obamas integrity being admired? Did I just read about him leaving a magnanimous legacy? How could anyone possibly ignore scandals like "fast and furious", IRS targeting conservative groups, the birth certificate, BENGHAZI, the affordable health care act, and his frequent and lavish family vacations?
But Julia, would you acknowledge the relatively minor nature of those "scandals", even if true? (and Obamacare and vacations aren't scandals, just things some people may disagree with) Richard Nixon secretly bombed a nation and committed burglary, amongst many other things. Ford pardoned the man who gave him Presidency and committed said illegal acts. Ronald Reagan secretly funded terrorist death squads in Central America and sold weapons to our enemy Iran. Clinton was caught lying under oath and had predatory "sexual relations" with a young intern. W. knowingly lied to lead us into a war resulting in innumerable deaths and probably was involved in leaking information of intelligence officials in retaliation. Even if Obama had engaged in political skullduggery-which there hasn't yet been proof of-it's not even in the same ballpark. As for the birth certificate, there probably isn't a more baseless (and ridiculous) scandal claim in memory.
2
It's really cool how you capitalize Benghazi. That's how I know you are serious.
4
The "birth certificate" was a scandal all right... The concerted effort to undermine the president's legitimacy by making him out to be an alien agent provocateur was definitely scandalous. You can't even call it dog-whistle racism because it was so explicitly playing on the uneasiness over his color.
I'm surprised people still have the temerity to bring it up. I assumed most birthers were so embarrassed that they'd retreated to the conspiracy-minded fringe.
I'm surprised people still have the temerity to bring it up. I assumed most birthers were so embarrassed that they'd retreated to the conspiracy-minded fringe.
4
I generally deplore Mr. Brooks's views, but hurray for this column!
4
President Obama is an excellent role model. Do you know how hard it has become as an educator to teach values and good citizenship? How does one teach children respect when a member of Congress calls the President a liar during the State of the Union address? How do you address acceptance when a Presidential candidate wants to keep minorities from entering our country? How do you teach compromise with a Congress unwilling to listen to ideas? How do teach science when people that want to lead this country don't believe in global warming and evolution? Thank you Mr. President for being the one voice of reason in a sea of insanity.
12
I agree on the issue that the Obama's have maintained amazing decorum and integrity given the attacks they have had to endure the last nearly 8 years. I have reservations about the cost of Sander's health care proposal, but I really don't see it as all that catastrophic. If we basically expanded Medicare, recall most people need to have supplemental insurance, therefore there would still be a need for private companies. The key is that health insurance needs to be disengaged from employment....but this really is another topic.
Given the fact Mr. Obama has faced some of the biggest challenges in recent history -caused in large part by his predecessor-I feel he has done a good job. If the Republicans had even tried to work with him a little, things would be even better. However, when the GOP's stated goal was to make him a failed President, indeed they diminished themselves. I can't fathom any of the current crop coming anywhere close to Mr. Obama.
Given the fact Mr. Obama has faced some of the biggest challenges in recent history -caused in large part by his predecessor-I feel he has done a good job. If the Republicans had even tried to work with him a little, things would be even better. However, when the GOP's stated goal was to make him a failed President, indeed they diminished themselves. I can't fathom any of the current crop coming anywhere close to Mr. Obama.
6
I am a registered NH Democrat. I voted this morning. Hillary lost me with the speaking fees, the home server, and the gender appeals. Bernie lost me with the fantasy of his proposals.
Fortunately, the NH ballot has a write-in line at the very bottom. I wrote in Barack Obama. (Yes, I know that he cannot serve a third term, but nothing in the Constitution precludes his nomination.) If I threw my vote away, it was in the name of saying that decency matters. A lot.
Fortunately, the NH ballot has a write-in line at the very bottom. I wrote in Barack Obama. (Yes, I know that he cannot serve a third term, but nothing in the Constitution precludes his nomination.) If I threw my vote away, it was in the name of saying that decency matters. A lot.
8
Year in and year out, Mr. Brooks sided with Republican ideologues and demagogues. His high-minded pronouncements in the New York Times and on PBS gave cover to a deliberate policy of obstruction and disruption. Judging by his columns of recent months, it took the rise of Trump and Cruz for Brooks to finally see what his Republican confreres have wrought. When an empty suit such as Marco Rubio is the best the Republicans can offer, things have come to an unfortunate pass, and Mr. Brooks surely knows this. Over two terms of the Obama presidency, Republicans only offered partisanship. President Obama, however, gave us statesmanship. His place in history is assured, not simply because he is the first African American president, but because he has been a great president.
14
Thanks, David Brooks. This essay is not only a compliment to our President but also a credit to your own civility.
Keep up the good work.
Keep up the good work.
7
I will miss the entire Obama family. To me, they are a true model for family values.
Your piece very pointedly left out the more recent scandals of the Bush administration (remember those 1M+ emails that went missing, Valerie Plame, etc.). Not to mention the horror of Sarah Palin 2008 that was the precursor to much of what we are seeing in this campaign.
Regardless of what you may think about either Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton, their behavior towards each other also demonstrates a level of common courtesy and simple human decency that is woefully lacking from their Republican counterparts.
Your piece very pointedly left out the more recent scandals of the Bush administration (remember those 1M+ emails that went missing, Valerie Plame, etc.). Not to mention the horror of Sarah Palin 2008 that was the precursor to much of what we are seeing in this campaign.
Regardless of what you may think about either Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton, their behavior towards each other also demonstrates a level of common courtesy and simple human decency that is woefully lacking from their Republican counterparts.
9
Regardless of how seldom I agree with Mr. Brook's political opinions, I can give him unadulterated credit for this fine op-ed piece. His appreciation of the qualities President Obama has brought to the White House are spot on! As someone who is left of Bernie myself, will Bernie's fans please take a deep breath and understand that a columnist is entitled to his opinions?
5
Throughout his time in office, President Obama has conducted himself in a manner befitting his office. His restraint has been admirable--I can still see him now, stifling his anger as congressman Joe Wilson interrupted him so disrespectfully during the healthcare speech before congress.
Conservative friends of mine often bash the President's reserve, his seeming endless patience as the daily news cycle swirls about him. They ridicule him for "bowing" before foreign leaders, as if showing respect for another country's customs is an act of weakness. President Obama is a statesman, and he represents the United States well when he travels abroad. He leads by example.
As the 2016 campaign hurtles along, it is quite apt of Brooks to point out the undervalued personal qualities of our president. I see bumper stickers asking of George W. Bush, "Miss me yet?" I laugh to myself and think, No I do not miss you. After Obama leaves office, I get the feeling the country will indeed miss him.
Conservative friends of mine often bash the President's reserve, his seeming endless patience as the daily news cycle swirls about him. They ridicule him for "bowing" before foreign leaders, as if showing respect for another country's customs is an act of weakness. President Obama is a statesman, and he represents the United States well when he travels abroad. He leads by example.
As the 2016 campaign hurtles along, it is quite apt of Brooks to point out the undervalued personal qualities of our president. I see bumper stickers asking of George W. Bush, "Miss me yet?" I laugh to myself and think, No I do not miss you. After Obama leaves office, I get the feeling the country will indeed miss him.
5
It is not just the candidates who seem to lack President Obama's "integrity", "humanity, and "respect for the dignity of others." It is common in these pages as well, as a Most Recommended commenter writes, "I wonder if I am still dreaming or I awoke in an alternate universe. Only now, just months before the end of his eight years as our president, Mr. Brooks wakes up to a reality that just dawns on him. Perhaps he has slept through seven years of his party's grotesque attacks on this president whom he now awakes and admires. How can he justify his unmistakeable sins of omission?"
5
A criticism of Obama that is legitimate, I think, is that he has been polarizing. But why is that? Partly, it's because Fox News and talk radio went after him so relentlessly that anyone who listened to these opinions presented as news, would naturally think the president was some sort of demon. If Obama has torn the country apart, it's been with the help of fake news, often reporting things that literally did not take place. I often wonder where misinforming the public and treason intersect.
5
Thanks for this honest assessment of the President's character. Now it is time for an honest assessment of his accomplishments, which have been formidable. And if we are to be fully honest, time to admit that the President's accomplishments suggest that, while you disagree with his policy judgements, you might be wrong.
9
A very gracious tribute--I will miss him, too.
8
It's been said before, but just think of the flood of right-wing vitriol (originally sulfuric acid) that would be poured over the Obamas if their kids acted the way Sarah Palin's have.
12
But there is a tone of ugliness creeping across the world, as democracies retreat, as tribalism mounts, as suspiciousness and authoritarianism take center stage.
True. Read the story about India in todays NYT.
True. Read the story about India in todays NYT.
Mr. Brooks considers the Sanders campaign as "pessimistic," but it's hard to see an advertisement like "America" as such, let alone the fervor of the grassroots campaign he's leading. Whenever folks are this engaged in politics, "optimism" seems like the better word to use.
3
Is this really David Brooks - or someone who hijacked his column - or his (not) evil twin Skippy? Whatever - this is an excellent column about a man whom history will respect as one of this country's finest presidents.
7
Walk softly but carry a big gun. Those words of Teddy Roosevelt are what Pres. Obama has put into action with his time in office. We have the largest defense budget in history with the military it buys. The President walks carefully into precarious situations doing his best to not sacrifice our men and women by accident or design, all this in the face of excruciating barking at his heels by neocons and others. His quiet authority will certainly be missed in the oval office. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded at the very beginning of his administration, and I believe he has earned it. The world knows this, and perhaps David Brooks now gives him a bit of his due. It may be too little too late, but President Obama will accept it with his usual grace.
3
Brooks makes sense to me at least. I am just another hard working American that is deeply concerned with the world we live in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Personally in the scheme of things mankind in general has failed to manage himself. So the question is, how can a failed man manage others? Sure mankind has done amazing things and I am truly truly thankful. To me Brooks just brought out the good in our President as a human. Every human President, Emperor, Dictator King, Prince or Ruler of a domain on this planet has great quality somewhere in them. But we must remember man is not perfect, and just like my comment here many people will disagree with my statements because everyone has their own way or idea of looking at things. No our President isn't perfect but he like every other President before is human and not perfect. The world is changing for good and bad. Hasn't that always been the struggle since mankinds existence began? Good verses bad. I am just one person with a voice but it seems to me we as humans will never be truly able to safely, fairly truly manage our existence in a world that is struggling with good and bad.
2
Here is the real crux of the problem:
Brooks wants to be a classical conservative in the mode of Burke, but the "conservtaive movement" in the US is fundamentally not Burkean. It is not about traditions and it is not about social cohesion. Instead, the "conservative movement" in the US about four things:
1) radical free market ideology and anti-tax ideology (except when subsidies flow to big donors)
2) christianity, christ, christly this and christian that.
3) so-called tradtional family values, which means little or no equality for women anyone not heterosexual.
4) a spectrum on all questions of racial equality that ranges from foot-dragging to David Duke.
Yes, Brooks is jewish, not christian. No, Brooks and quite a few others are not Strom Thurmond. But all of this is fringe and frills around the conservative movement core.
The rot is deep. You can tell Brooks and some others are starting to recognize this fact, but they aren't there yet.
Brooks wants to be a classical conservative in the mode of Burke, but the "conservtaive movement" in the US is fundamentally not Burkean. It is not about traditions and it is not about social cohesion. Instead, the "conservative movement" in the US about four things:
1) radical free market ideology and anti-tax ideology (except when subsidies flow to big donors)
2) christianity, christ, christly this and christian that.
3) so-called tradtional family values, which means little or no equality for women anyone not heterosexual.
4) a spectrum on all questions of racial equality that ranges from foot-dragging to David Duke.
Yes, Brooks is jewish, not christian. No, Brooks and quite a few others are not Strom Thurmond. But all of this is fringe and frills around the conservative movement core.
The rot is deep. You can tell Brooks and some others are starting to recognize this fact, but they aren't there yet.
4
Oh, so anyone who doesn't agree with you politically is rotten to the core. Yup, sounds like a modern liberal to me.
1
One of the biggest problems for Obama's rabid critics has been their inability to recognize decency and authenticity when they see it. Occasionally some GOP members display it, as when Christie talks of addiction, or when Kasich talks of his decision to expand Medicaid. And liberal pundits have pointed that out. When Obama teared up as he talked of 1st graders getting gunned down and the Fox crowd accused him of faking it. That's when you have to question their essential humanity - that maybe they're so lost in the woods they can't see goodness. I would says that the qualities you praise in Obama are tied directly to his policy decisions and philosophy - a respect for fairness, and a regard for the planet etc., as well as an economy that works for more than just a few.
There isn’t an instant in which our president is not entirely decent regardful thoughtful. Trump, Cruz, Palin, and yes, your favorite Marco Rubio, have failed to understand that as they mischaracterize and brutally attack Obama, they are disregarding a majority of their fellow Americans - and from my conversations much of the free world - who believe in this president wholeheartedly and what he stands for.
There isn’t an instant in which our president is not entirely decent regardful thoughtful. Trump, Cruz, Palin, and yes, your favorite Marco Rubio, have failed to understand that as they mischaracterize and brutally attack Obama, they are disregarding a majority of their fellow Americans - and from my conversations much of the free world - who believe in this president wholeheartedly and what he stands for.
6
Very little is often said, about a leaders integrity. To be honest many leave to be desired for. With an incredible amount of aggression constantly catapulted in our direction, we have become immune to pugnacious direction, feedback and final decisions we for a while consider the inevitable. One thing is certain, there's a different wind that shifts from capital hill. Behaviors and Processes have delivered substantial (not to be confused with exceptional )results.
Imagine, what more could have been accomplished.....
Imagine, what more could have been accomplished.....
I came to this from a link which did not identify the author and literally did a double take when I saw that it was David Brooks.
I'll never say never again.
I'll never say never again.
2
We will indeed miss our "no drama" Commander In Chief and history will be harsh with the cohorts of GOP elected officials who spent almost all their time in the office undoing whatever he tried to achieve. Facts are more powerful than words: 63 attempts to repeal the ACA? Really? This is a great article but what you don't mention is that the lack of civility is exclusive to the Republican contenders; I'm no fan of Bernie nor Hillary but at least they don't throw insults at each other during debates or outside. By the way I don't know where you get that but Bernie doesn't run a pessimistic campaign, quite the contrary if you see how he mobilized young voters.
2
President Obama's integrity, love of country, passion, poise under pressure, good manners, knowledge of law, his eloquence when speaking, and his ability to speak to the American people in terms they understand, and pronounce the names of countries and their leaders correctly so as not to embarrass the country he represents, makes him a very hard act to follow.
4
I agree with most of this yet two sentences come to mind, repeated over and over:
"If you like your health care you can keep your health care."
"Most families won't experience any increase in health care costs."
Is that lack of integrity or lack or reality? Everyone knew those two sentences could never be upheld.
"If you like your health care you can keep your health care."
"Most families won't experience any increase in health care costs."
Is that lack of integrity or lack or reality? Everyone knew those two sentences could never be upheld.
Mr Brooks I am a life long democrat, but as I "mature" (I am now 76!) I find myself agreeing with your opinions more and more. I listen and watch you on the PBS news on Fidays with Mr. Fields and I agree with you! What's going on here? Are you becoming more liberal or am I becoming more "republican"?
Anyway thank you for your wel thought and intelligent opinions. I too think that Mr. Obama is a very honest and ethical person and I think History will prove that his restrain which many interpreted as aloofness and indecisiveness was the best course of action in such a trigger happy world.
Anyway thank you for your wel thought and intelligent opinions. I too think that Mr. Obama is a very honest and ethical person and I think History will prove that his restrain which many interpreted as aloofness and indecisiveness was the best course of action in such a trigger happy world.
4
"The Obama administration has been remarkably scandal-free. ". what rock have you been under? the use of the IRS as a political weapon is far more scandalous and detrimental to our democratic system than either iran-contra or lewinsky,
Seriously? Based more on wild-eyed supposition than fact?
Really?
Really?
3
not true at all.
1
David Brooks, basically a moderate republican, looks around at his party's presidential candidates and realizes there is simply nothing he can write to justify any of them. Then he looks across the aisle and sees this young black man who has stood up for two terms with grace against the most incredibly vile, boorish and selfish behavior by the republicans to defeat every piece of legislation he proposed, regardless of how such self-interested behavior would eventually impact the people of America. Obama continues to honor the position he holds while his every turn is second guessed and judged or too often simply denied access to the floor of congress.
I was born while FDR was in last years of office so I've lived through many presidents. The changes to this country over those years are quite astounding and each of those presidents held great sway over who we are now as a country. The presidents who were most despised by the opposition seem to be the ones who made the biggest changed to society. FDR did the most, but just as progressive was LBJ. Nixon, who wasn't a total disaster as president, was a moral disaster as a human being and his madness for power forever changed American politics. In time, history will likely look back on President Obama's period in office as eight years of integrity and principled leadership to the benefit of the American people.
I understand Mr. Brooks’s pain and frustration.
I was born while FDR was in last years of office so I've lived through many presidents. The changes to this country over those years are quite astounding and each of those presidents held great sway over who we are now as a country. The presidents who were most despised by the opposition seem to be the ones who made the biggest changed to society. FDR did the most, but just as progressive was LBJ. Nixon, who wasn't a total disaster as president, was a moral disaster as a human being and his madness for power forever changed American politics. In time, history will likely look back on President Obama's period in office as eight years of integrity and principled leadership to the benefit of the American people.
I understand Mr. Brooks’s pain and frustration.
7
Yes, LBJ was a critical American, and perhaps only he could have actually gotten the Civil Rights Act passed. Yet LBJ was a "moderately corrupt politician" -- he used voting fraud to get elected to the Senate, abused his position to obtain favoritism from the FCC over broadcasting licenses that enriched him.
That old sardonic joke "Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play" is very apt for Nixon. If it were not for his paranoid silly crimes of Watergate he would be remembered as one of the best presidents of modern times -- got us out of Viet Nam (at a price), and achieved the historic opening of China to the western world. That too has had very serious consequences for the working class in America, but it brought greatly improved world peace, improved the lives of a billions of people.
The achievements of politicians are not always of a piece.
That old sardonic joke "Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play" is very apt for Nixon. If it were not for his paranoid silly crimes of Watergate he would be remembered as one of the best presidents of modern times -- got us out of Viet Nam (at a price), and achieved the historic opening of China to the western world. That too has had very serious consequences for the working class in America, but it brought greatly improved world peace, improved the lives of a billions of people.
The achievements of politicians are not always of a piece.
1
Suddenly Mr. Brooks actually likes having a moderate conservative in the White House. I do not envy the person who will have to break it to him that Rubios ideology and character are far removed from the ideal Mr. Brooks describes here. Rubios rigid and unempethetic views on abortion, amongst other things, are alienating at best.
If Mr. Brooks truly wanted another moderate conservative in the White House, Ms. Clinton would be the reasonable choice. And yet he attempts to stick her with the fictions created by the reactionaries he seems to detest. The fact that Ms. Clinton is forced to "testify" in front of congressional panels is less an indication of any guilt on her part than it is of the pandering partisanship of the kind of people who would likely support Rubio.
Oh Mr. Brooks, you simply don't know what you want until it's gone.
If Mr. Brooks truly wanted another moderate conservative in the White House, Ms. Clinton would be the reasonable choice. And yet he attempts to stick her with the fictions created by the reactionaries he seems to detest. The fact that Ms. Clinton is forced to "testify" in front of congressional panels is less an indication of any guilt on her part than it is of the pandering partisanship of the kind of people who would likely support Rubio.
Oh Mr. Brooks, you simply don't know what you want until it's gone.
2
Well, a day late and a dollar short. So now you've come to realize that the Republican party left you behind a decade ago and you're really an Obama Democrat. Oh if only you'd had this come to Jesus moment in 2010, back when you were wringing your hands and bemoaning "Why can't they just compromise? Where is the leadership?" There's no compromising with the
Tea Party, and you were one of its biggest enablers. Because you, David Brooks, gave those bomb-throwers the Establishment cover they needed to pass off their radical agenda as "conservative." Indeed, you chose to bury your head in the sand as it became clear that bigotry and intolerance were part and parcel to the Tea Party movement--and one can draw a direct line from the pass those radicals received in the press back in 2010 to the bombast coming out of Trump's mouth today.
My great consolation is that you assert that Bernie's policies are unrealistic. Given your oracular ability to be 180 degrees wrong on virtually everything related to politics, I'm feeling quite sanguine as the voters head out to the primaries in New Hampshire.
Tea Party, and you were one of its biggest enablers. Because you, David Brooks, gave those bomb-throwers the Establishment cover they needed to pass off their radical agenda as "conservative." Indeed, you chose to bury your head in the sand as it became clear that bigotry and intolerance were part and parcel to the Tea Party movement--and one can draw a direct line from the pass those radicals received in the press back in 2010 to the bombast coming out of Trump's mouth today.
My great consolation is that you assert that Bernie's policies are unrealistic. Given your oracular ability to be 180 degrees wrong on virtually everything related to politics, I'm feeling quite sanguine as the voters head out to the primaries in New Hampshire.
2
Since you state that Obama has basic humanity one can say that has a great deal to do with his policy and political beliefs of caring for others. You Republican anti-humanism forges their policies and goals not to care for the common good. It must be getting more difficult to straddle the top of that very sharp fence. Which side of humanity are you on David? Humanity by definition: the quality of being humane, kindness, sympathy , mercy. Does that sound like the values of Greedy Old Party?
1
I guess the appropriate saying here is "better late than never." The seven years it took for Brooks to admit this is far too long, however.
Mr. Brooks, you are blinded by the fact that we need Bernie more than we ever needed Obama. You're playing into the hands of lesser than 2 evils and a Corporate Fascist state that we have now. As I have said a dozen times this week on numerous posts to many of the like: Shame on you!
1
Mr. Brooks, you praise Obama for having the qualities of a statesman, and yet you support a party that hasn't offered up a president with such qualities since Dwight Eisenhower.
3
Shifting the attention away from politics, I'd like to focus on Mr. David Brooks. It has always been a pleasure to read Mr. Brooks writing as well as those of the other talented staff at the NYTimes.
As a conservative, he has shown himself to be equally critical with the Republican establishment as well as with the Democratic.
He criticizes "talking points", vitriol, and slander as much as anyone and he always looks for indictions of substance in our elected officials, regardless of personal politics.
To keep this short, it is interesting to find that the most commendable piece of writing about our current president has come from someone not even in his own party.
As a conservative, he has shown himself to be equally critical with the Republican establishment as well as with the Democratic.
He criticizes "talking points", vitriol, and slander as much as anyone and he always looks for indictions of substance in our elected officials, regardless of personal politics.
To keep this short, it is interesting to find that the most commendable piece of writing about our current president has come from someone not even in his own party.
1
Whatever... I for one will be celebrating as the door closes behind him and will give him little thought after. History will be far less generous than Brooks.
1
I hear a centrist Kumbaya in the background. We need more. Thanks Mr Brooks.
1
Too little, too late, Mr. Brooks.
The history books are going to be extremely unkind to those who did everything within their power to undermine the first African American President. When they are compared to the bigots booing Jack Robinson or the rednecks standing in school doorways, your face is going to be right along side all the rest.
Choices matter. You cannot dedicate yourself to a destructive course of action for eight years and then have a miraculous bedside conversion in the eleventh hour.
The history books are going to be extremely unkind to those who did everything within their power to undermine the first African American President. When they are compared to the bigots booing Jack Robinson or the rednecks standing in school doorways, your face is going to be right along side all the rest.
Choices matter. You cannot dedicate yourself to a destructive course of action for eight years and then have a miraculous bedside conversion in the eleventh hour.
6
I hope the next presidency is NOT a philosophical departure. I'm ok with pointless saber rattling and maybe Obama hasn't done enough of that. But the desperate attempts to take our country back to the 1950s are at best a fantasy and will just make people who long for those bygone days even more angry.
Nice sneak pitch for Marco Rubio -- what we need is someone who is qualified to be President -- not a "normal person" who occasionally need a drink of water, breaks out in a sweat or occasionally goes robotic. Marco is clearly not qualified to run our country.
Remember the last time we elected a President who most of the populace would "like to have a beer with"? We were much worse off after his time, and Obama has done a great job fixing the mess he left us with.
Remember the last time we elected a President who most of the populace would "like to have a beer with"? We were much worse off after his time, and Obama has done a great job fixing the mess he left us with.
1
Nicely put. I have, for some time, felt that the closer we come to Nov. 2016 the more that many Americans will begin to become concerned about who follows President Obama who has guided the nation for eight years with dignity and poise in the face of hateful derision.
2
Please...David...too little and too late for your "discoveries"...you helped sow the atmosphere for the GOP who now behave with no compunction as the rabid power-crazed "saviors" that they purport to be.
President Obama will be missed, indeed.
President Obama will be missed, indeed.
3
As with all heads of state, the job entails far more than simply politics. To me, one word represents not only the President, but also his family...Class...a word that I cannot use to describe ANY of our present options for the job.
1
"Bernie Sanders...been so blinded by his values that the reality of the situation does not seem to penetrate his mind."
Could Sanders alleged blindness be due to Brooks own?
Much more than a possibility, isn't it.
Could Sanders alleged blindness be due to Brooks own?
Much more than a possibility, isn't it.
2
I don't miss him. Is he gone yet?
Quite frankly, I don't know how you can say these two statements in the same breath:
"No, Obama has not been temperamentally perfect. Too often he’s been disdainful, aloof, resentful and insular. But there is a tone of ugliness creeping across the world, as democracies retreat, as tribalism mounts, as suspiciousness and authoritarianism take center stage." To which I would add, we will never get less ugliness by modeling more.
"Obama radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance that I’m beginning to miss, and that I suspect we will all miss a bit, regardless of who replaces him." No, we will not all miss him a bit. The leadership part of his being a presidential leader is missing. He is full of words....signifying nothing.
Quite frankly, I don't know how you can say these two statements in the same breath:
"No, Obama has not been temperamentally perfect. Too often he’s been disdainful, aloof, resentful and insular. But there is a tone of ugliness creeping across the world, as democracies retreat, as tribalism mounts, as suspiciousness and authoritarianism take center stage." To which I would add, we will never get less ugliness by modeling more.
"Obama radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance that I’m beginning to miss, and that I suspect we will all miss a bit, regardless of who replaces him." No, we will not all miss him a bit. The leadership part of his being a presidential leader is missing. He is full of words....signifying nothing.
1
…..you don't know what you've got till it's gone…….
I miss him too.
I miss him too.
1
Okay. So David Brooks has decided that Marco Rubio is the last best hope of saving the Republican Party from itself. And so he must defend his robotic performance as somehow endearing. And to do it, he brings out Obama for praise of his integrity and rationality. What Brooks neglects to acknowledge is the content of Rubio's robotic performance. "Barack Obama knows exactly what he's doing. He wants to change America - turn it into Europe". In other words, a combination of scripted applause lines targeted at the most paranoic right-wing fantasies. Well, David, I guess your robotic performance is endearing in its way, but sorry. Your party has gone off the deep end, and Rubio can't (and shouldn't) be the one to save it from itself. He's simply the most attractive empty vessel running - and that's apparently just fine with you. And that's sad.
2
David Brooks
this is no longer a case of too many cooks
comes out for Obama
while maintaining a reasonable standard of grammar.
this is no longer a case of too many cooks
comes out for Obama
while maintaining a reasonable standard of grammar.
" I hope the next presidency is a philosophic departure." I look forward to hearing what you mean by this. I doubt you mean Bernie's philosophy. Hilary's incrementalism is probably not your cup of tea, but maybe I'm wrong. The competing philosophical departure points among the GOP hopefuls are downright frightening. That's the current inventory. So what do you hope for?
Sorry our Mr. Brooks, I don't miss him one bit.
1
I find your take on SandersCare laughable. If for no other reason that we all remember the fear mongering and "socialist" claims back in 2009. Obamacare only represents half of what Obama actually campaigned on. Which is progress, but not what we all wanted. If Bernie gets even half of what he wants, that is tremendous progress for this country. You don't come to the negotiating table telling your adversary you're willing to accept half. You'll leave the room with only a quarter
Great article!
Finally a positive column about Obama from Brooks. Brooks is a clear thinker and a decent writer, but he has conservative emotions which prevent him from giving credit, when credit is due. He has finally overcome this trait in this column and I am happy to read it. Hope he does more of them.
There goes the disingenuous David Brooks again: "Now, obviously I disagree with a lot of Obama’s policy decisions. I’ve been disappointed by aspects of his presidency. I hope the next presidency is a philosophic departure." I feel like grabbing something and throwing it at you, David Brooks! Where in the sand have you been sticking your head these past eight years? A more decent, intelligent, compassionate, thoughtful, kind, gentle-yet-firm President is difficult -- I'd say impossible -- to imagine. Nevertheless, Mr. Brooks hastes to signal his dissatisfaction with this President right out of the gate before telling us obvious things about President Obama that the non-conservative, non-religious, intelligent and fair-minded citizens of the United States have known all along. This column says a lot about the mind-boggling mindset of Mr. Brooks and his conservative ilk than it does about President Obama. Wake up Mr. Brooks; it seems that you have two brains, a (highly frustrated) one that keeps revealing the reality of the world for you to see in the light of reason, and another (poorly wired) one that controls your daily behavior and your expressed opinions. And, by the way, you won't get any credit here for (rightfully) praising President Obama, as it's fairly easy to see through your thinly veiled strategy which has nothing to do with honesty and giving the President his due, but is all about attacking Bernie Sanders under the guise of praising President Obama.
2
Thanks for noting that there's much to respect about Mr. Obama.
But I would love to truth-check your equating Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Christie.
Did Hillary have three people working on her Senate or State Dept. staffs who laughed while blocking an ambulance from getting a dying woman to the hospital?
But I would love to truth-check your equating Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Christie.
Did Hillary have three people working on her Senate or State Dept. staffs who laughed while blocking an ambulance from getting a dying woman to the hospital?
3
I have read your column for many years, and have, in many instances, disagreed with your rather staunch conservative positions. However, your ability to wordsmith has always been a pleasant break from today's contemporary media dibble. Coming from you, today's opinion piece gave our President positive credit that has been denied, but long deserved. My only question to you is, why did it take an embarrassing assemblage of republican presidential wannabees, for you to see the light? Just imagine what the past 7 years would have brought to this country if these very individuals, as well as their many cohorts, hadn't pledged, on Mr. Obama's FIRST day in office, that they would do everything to ensure he has a failed administration.
Every other modern nation in the world has figured out how to provide universal health care. If the U.S. can't figure it out maybe we are not so exceptional after all.
1
You have managed Mr. Brooks to capture the President's soul. This soul, while not perfect, is a highly evolved one. May some day the world be more filled with souls of this caliber. It's our only hope for the survival of humanity.
Thank you.
Thank you.
President Obama is the best: articulate; well spoken; unruffled; with a clear presence of mind.
All the machinations of nincompoops and assorted theorists have come to nothing.
Obama is the real deal.
All the machinations of nincompoops and assorted theorists have come to nothing.
Obama is the real deal.
2
" We have problems " David says:
I say, in many respects we are the greatest country on earth... and, I can easily say David's economic, social and related problems are in the one-fifth of the 99% of we the other American people.
He has always been into the use of "we" -- as is to be expected in his privileged class looking at most of we 85 % of Americans.
By the way, taxes under Eisenhower's Republican presidency was always around 90%. Just see what America accomplished during a moderate Republican president.
You'll then need a stiff drink or long walk or some time in deep breathing.
I say, in many respects we are the greatest country on earth... and, I can easily say David's economic, social and related problems are in the one-fifth of the 99% of we the other American people.
He has always been into the use of "we" -- as is to be expected in his privileged class looking at most of we 85 % of Americans.
By the way, taxes under Eisenhower's Republican presidency was always around 90%. Just see what America accomplished during a moderate Republican president.
You'll then need a stiff drink or long walk or some time in deep breathing.
No scandals? Basic integrity? Basic humanity? Sound decision making? Grace under pressure? Optimism? HMMMMM.
1. Benghazi
2. Operation Fast and Furious
3. Disastrous health care reform rammed through
4. I won the election, so I can do what I want.
5. Rewriting laws without Congressional approval
6. Creating more debt than all previous Presidents combined
7. Did I mention weaponizing the IRS?
8. Did I mention creating racial division at every turn?
9. Did I mention sanctuary cities?
10. Did I mention ignoring the murder of American citizens by illegal immigrants?
Unlike David Brooks, I do not judge Presidents by the crease in their pants.
Good Grief.
1. Benghazi
2. Operation Fast and Furious
3. Disastrous health care reform rammed through
4. I won the election, so I can do what I want.
5. Rewriting laws without Congressional approval
6. Creating more debt than all previous Presidents combined
7. Did I mention weaponizing the IRS?
8. Did I mention creating racial division at every turn?
9. Did I mention sanctuary cities?
10. Did I mention ignoring the murder of American citizens by illegal immigrants?
Unlike David Brooks, I do not judge Presidents by the crease in their pants.
Good Grief.
5
My guess is that Republicans like you are the exact reason David Brooks is praising the difference.
3
this is the worst you have, and it's pathetic
1
To sum up, Obama has class. The Republicans, not so much.
6
Thank you, Mr Brooks, for role modeling what civil discourse looks like. Although I don't agree with all that you assert, I appreciate the way you present it. Hopefully, others will follow your lead.
"No, Obama has not been temperamentally perfect. Too often he’s been disdainful, aloof, resentful and insular."
The only times I can recall when Mr. Obama has been disdainful, was when he was presented with recalcitrant incoherence. A response more of us need to try.
The only times I recall Mr. Obama's being aloof is when he was presented with nothing but noise when he had decisions to make.
The only times I recall Mr. Obama's being resentful is when he was presented with nothing but malicious mischief.
And I have never actually heard of his being insular. In fact, quite the opposite. Mr. Obama has always been willing to consider the case anyone might make about why he may be wrong, if they could present a coherent argument. Where did you get "insular" from? Is that the traditional conservative projection again?
As far as I can tell, the U.S.A. could use another fifty replicas of Mr. Obama.
If you think you miss him now, just wait till you (and the world) see what his successor is like.
The only times I can recall when Mr. Obama has been disdainful, was when he was presented with recalcitrant incoherence. A response more of us need to try.
The only times I recall Mr. Obama's being aloof is when he was presented with nothing but noise when he had decisions to make.
The only times I recall Mr. Obama's being resentful is when he was presented with nothing but malicious mischief.
And I have never actually heard of his being insular. In fact, quite the opposite. Mr. Obama has always been willing to consider the case anyone might make about why he may be wrong, if they could present a coherent argument. Where did you get "insular" from? Is that the traditional conservative projection again?
As far as I can tell, the U.S.A. could use another fifty replicas of Mr. Obama.
If you think you miss him now, just wait till you (and the world) see what his successor is like.
5
Me too, David.
1
So it's only now that David Brooks is noticing how nasty the GOP is. Seriously, I'm happy that Times wants to feature conservative voices but neither Brooks or Douthat have anything value to say anymore.
3
If you read Brooks' The Road to Character he recognizes with a new urgency the value of sound and courageous responses to adverse conditions. Brooks' adverse condition is that those who demonstrate probity and temperament are often or usually found in those who don't share his politics (and this column is his courageous response). Valuing character means not only a crisis of ideas but of choice. I don't see Brooks championing Rubio here, rather implying he might pull the lever for Obama in 2016 above any current frontrunner of either party if Obama were not termed out. This shows his evolution on the value of character and temperament.
Brooks wrestles with this publicly and transparently; you read this wrestling match weekly; it is the very sort of column I would expect an evolving David Brooks to write; and I thank him for it.
Brooks wrestles with this publicly and transparently; you read this wrestling match weekly; it is the very sort of column I would expect an evolving David Brooks to write; and I thank him for it.
1
Gee whiz! It has taken Mr. David Brooks some 8 years to dig up something positive to say about Obama. Gee whiz!
3
Obama is indeed a remarkable man. Come next January when he leaves office and the shackles of partisan politics are lifted from him he will no longer be our president but a citizen of the world. Obama is a young man and I predict he will have an extraordinary post presidency. The rest of the world will appreciate him far more than we have. Thank you Mr. President for your service.
9
You are a sick person and very blind if you do not see what Obama has done to this country. I will not miss him at all nor do I want Sanders or Clinton in there for that are just as bad. They all would lie and the others would swear to it.
God help this country
God help this country
1
The rest of the world is welcome to him.
Mr. Brooks, why have you waited until he's on his way out to celebrate (even partially) his character? Also, in your Brooksian manner, what you give with one hand you take back with the other. "disdainful, aloof, resentful, and insular" really don't match well with the traits you commend him for. It's hard to see how you can say someone who has "a sense of basic humanity" is disdainful; "basic care and respect for the dignity of others" is disdainful, aloof, resentful, and insular; "soundness in his decision-making process" is aloof and insular; "grace under pressure" is resentful; "a resilient sense of optimism" is disdainful and resentful. Now that there's no risk of re-electing him, you're finally acknowledging his brilliance -- and turning your own aloof, resentful, insular disdain on the Democrats (and Republicans, to be fair) who have a chance to be next. Appreciate the carefully timed belated acknowledgement, even given the passive-aggressive delivery.
4
Great column, and spot on. I'm curious to know what aspects of Obama's presidency Mr. Brooks is hoping for a departure from. But I agree that the temperament of our leader, his or her character, and the standards of decency embodied in his or her administration is of huge importance to our nation and the world at large. Other countries are right to be horrified by the spectacle of our current campaign. On the GOP side, it's not just "pornography of pessimism", it's pornography period. I can't even write the word period without thinking of our would-be Pornographer in Chief Trump. Disgusting.
4
Yeah aside from the IRS targetting, Fast and Furious, Benghazi, Clinton's Email scandal, Healthcare.gov epic failure, VA scandal and BO's broken promise to fix it, Solyndra and all the other alternative energy failures, trading for Bergdahl, the awful Iran deal that is doing the exact opposite of what it was intended to do, NSA and Snowden, Secret Service hooker scandal, spying on reporters and accusing one of being a criminal co-conspirator... I can't think of any scandals at all.
2
Little too much conspiracy talk radio exposure at your place, apparently.
2
none of these amount to scandals and most of them are untrue characterizations of the facts
1
Obama will be remembered as one of our great presidents. GOP gutter comments won't change that fact. It will be interesting to see who the GOP runs in November. Someone who thinks the world is flat?
2
David Brooks, you are a class act.
1
Hey David one question for you?
Where are the peoples like you in the Republican side of the ail? honestly where are you why you are not coming together and doing something in the party?
I am not blaming you , because you are already doing what you believe is right but I do not think that republican party lost all guys like you last 15 years.
Where are the people like minded as you? Moderate Republicans , not Establishment republicans.
I am not saying this because you write something good about Obama.
Where are these people?
Where are the peoples like you in the Republican side of the ail? honestly where are you why you are not coming together and doing something in the party?
I am not blaming you , because you are already doing what you believe is right but I do not think that republican party lost all guys like you last 15 years.
Where are the people like minded as you? Moderate Republicans , not Establishment republicans.
I am not saying this because you write something good about Obama.
Where are these people?
2
David Brooks made me teary eyed today. I, too, will miss Obama. Meanwhile, I have been compiling a list of Rubio-affiliated nonprofits that failed to submit form 990 to the IRS. Mr. Rubio apparently is pretty sloppy when it comes to paperwork.
2
Wow....and yes indeed. I applaud this article. President Obama is among the few presidents who have had to put up with patently tribal based disrespect. I would say he is the only President to be insulted the way he has been insulted, except, JFK was insulted over religion at times and of course, ultimately murdered.
4
Though unusual for a liberal/moderate Democrat, over the past few years my wife and I eagerly follow your TV comments on the national political scene as well as this newspaper column. So many of your conclusions are reasonable, tolerant, fair and realistic that I hope some day you will change your party affiliation to a more affirmative, constructive and hopeful one.
2
"Obama radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance..."
Well put...and I would include his entire family in this assessment.
Well put...and I would include his entire family in this assessment.
9
I can hardly wait to miss Obama.
3
Did this writer observe the same last seven years that I did. What a wierd observation.
1
The current US healthcare system already causes epic social disruption to many except those with Cadillac plans. From a cost/benefit standpoint it is a failure compared to most other developed countries. And unsustainable. Rather than tinkering with it, why not dismantle now since it happen eventually.
The ACA saved my small business >$14K in its first year. It keeps huge numbers of dependents covered while they go to college or seek jobs that even offer healthcare. Immunizations & preventive care are now accessible to ALL, regardless of the plan. A platinum plan is not needed to benefit, and as with all insurance, the larger the pool, the more efficient the coverage. And contrary to lies promoted by profiteers, the ACA didn't take away anyone's plans through their work. The corrupt insurance companies discontinued plans rather than adjust coverage to meet minimum standards required by the ACA, which protected consumers from scammy plans that took our money but in fact covered little.
Those are the facts. And we very much enjoyed getting those "difference between premiums & what was actually spent on employees' health care" refunds!
Those are the facts. And we very much enjoyed getting those "difference between premiums & what was actually spent on employees' health care" refunds!
1
Thank you.
Finally David! Something I can agree with you about! I've never understood the vitriol which emanates from Republicans when Barack Obama's name comes. Does he do everything I want? No. But he's a class act. Human, but a class act. And over 8yrs. I am not embarrassed for my president and his place in the world.
7
I know I shall miss President Obama, so elegant and eloquent, and his lovely, sparkling family. His Presidency has been consequential.
4
First time of reading Dave, great! Pornography of pessimistic---just going round, only Clinton and Kasich offer a little hope--2 bad
Wow. My only reaction to the headline, which has not changed from reading your opinion piece, is to shout profanities at my computer. (I would say something more direct but these comments are moderated.) And I say that as someone who believes wholeheartedly in polite public discourse. As more tactful people have said above, this is way too little too late. You've spent eight years criticizing the President and only now you realize how good he looks by comparison to ... Donald Trump?! Ted Cruz?!!
1
Will you next have a follow-up column where you take the Republicans for task for their intractable opposition to this President? Where were the columns denouncing the Mitch McConnell "one-term President" meeting way back when? When the House passed over sixty attempts to repeal the ACA, now apparently something worth saving? When the birther nonsense arose? None of these radiated an "ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance." How come you never denounced your fellow Republicans for their mean-spirited, bordering on racist, attacks on the President you now seem to admire?
If more Republican voices like yours had spoken up six or seven years ago and took the GOP to the woodshed, perhaps our country would be less divided than it is today.
If more Republican voices like yours had spoken up six or seven years ago and took the GOP to the woodshed, perhaps our country would be less divided than it is today.
3
What an utterly disingenuous screed against Bernie Sanders under the silly veil of "appreciating" Barack Obama. The result is that neither side of this childish piece carries any weight. Sometimes I can only wonder whether Mr. Brooks actually reads what he has written or just assumes his readers will swallow it whole without noticing the hollow ring. I would like to ask Mr. Brooks to write an honest appreciation of Franklin Roosevelt and compare him with Bernie Sanders.
10
Perhaps the qualities you now see in Obama are the ones that led so many people to vote for him in the first place. I'm sorry you couldn't see that in 2008 and 2012. A candidate - now president - with intelligence and integrity. We've had that for eight years - and we're desperately looking for that in 2016!
2
Dear Mr. Brooks,
You said, "Obama’s basic approach is to promote his values as much as he can within the limits of the situation." You also said, "Take health care. Passing Obamacare was a mighty lift that led to two gigantic midterm election defeats."
Obama's basic approach to the Affordable Care Act was to lie to the American public in order to get the legislation passed. Will you miss that as well?
You said, "Obama’s basic approach is to promote his values as much as he can within the limits of the situation." You also said, "Take health care. Passing Obamacare was a mighty lift that led to two gigantic midterm election defeats."
Obama's basic approach to the Affordable Care Act was to lie to the American public in order to get the legislation passed. Will you miss that as well?
1
The ACA did NOT take away anyone's existing insurance. Disingenuous profiteering insurance companies cancelled existing plans rather than make those plans actually comply with the minimum standards of care required by the law. That is the fact of what happened, so why not ask what kinds of people would rather kill a plan than adjust it to actually provide a baseline of coverage?
2
Thank you, David. It's difficult to be a moral man in post-moral times.
Thanks David, for a rational, objective, and honest look at President Obama's policy and personal life. He has personified the criteria that you would list to be the president of the US.
A model for the current candidates.
I hope/pray that they all read this column.
A model for the current candidates.
I hope/pray that they all read this column.
Can you just image the scandals that will plague a Clinton presidency. With Bill as the first man chasing every skirt in the Whitehouse, just from shear boredom. And Hillary, will be investigated till she will not be able to do anything else but defend herself.
Bernie 2016
Bernie 2016
4
Thank you, David, so thoughtful and well-said. Civility isn't valued nearly highly enough any more. Referring back to some other comments about what you've written here, I have always felt that your columns are an honest assessment of your perspective, not character assassinations. Where you've had doubts about Obama's policies, I know those were honestly rendered, even if I didn't agree with you. As Obama has been a refreshing President, one many of us will miss, I also find you to be a refreshing columnist. We don't have to agree with people in order to respect them.
2
My heart breaks at the vitriol the Obamas and their children were forced to endure during his years in the White House. Why did so many squander his potential to positively impact the world by relentlessly attacking and obstructing him at every turn? I'd like to celebrate your olive branch, Mr. Brooks, but it feels akin to a little and too late.
7
Thanks to this column, so many wonderful reader comments! So many of us wishing, I suspect, that Obamacould have 4 more years. (Not Micheele, mind you. Maybe not Obama.)
But, oh, how I wish we could have Obama as our candidate. Yet again. Maybe with Bernie thrown in as an appetizer.
But, oh, how I wish we could have Obama as our candidate. Yet again. Maybe with Bernie thrown in as an appetizer.
For many outside the coastal thought centers, Obama's presidency has actually been the height of "tribalism, suspiciousness and authoritarianism." Commentators such as the author just don't see it when those under attack aren't in their "tribe."
Although his rhetoric is unfailingly soothing (and braggadocious), his actual policies have repeatedly hurt middle class Americans while the very rich have seen their prospects skyrocket and the very poor have seen increases in their quality of life. This is just a fact. Further, many middle class Americans who oppose those policies are accused of being racist, nativist, anti-gay, selfish, and ignorant. Thoughts and attitudes deeply held for centuries in this country are looked at with suspicion and are trampled without a second thought by a federal government that has never been more powerful.
Instead of actually convincing the country and the congress to follow his lead, Obama has simply acted unilaterally to upend so much of the social order that was in place before him. For those who cheer those changes, you may not see any other reasonable course for him to take. But for those who don't, you feel constantly under attack and that there is nothing you can do. Which is why we now have Donald Trump.
Although his rhetoric is unfailingly soothing (and braggadocious), his actual policies have repeatedly hurt middle class Americans while the very rich have seen their prospects skyrocket and the very poor have seen increases in their quality of life. This is just a fact. Further, many middle class Americans who oppose those policies are accused of being racist, nativist, anti-gay, selfish, and ignorant. Thoughts and attitudes deeply held for centuries in this country are looked at with suspicion and are trampled without a second thought by a federal government that has never been more powerful.
Instead of actually convincing the country and the congress to follow his lead, Obama has simply acted unilaterally to upend so much of the social order that was in place before him. For those who cheer those changes, you may not see any other reasonable course for him to take. But for those who don't, you feel constantly under attack and that there is nothing you can do. Which is why we now have Donald Trump.
President Obama's integrity and dignity with President Clinton's personality. Now that could be the greatest President of all.
To say that I will miss President Obama is a huge understatement. Throughout his presidency he has displayed grace, intelligence and almost anything that one would expect of our president. At the tender age of 80, I am thrilled that I lived long enough to witness it all and yes, I am one of those pesky white liberals and I have to say that if a white person with same credentials had been running, I would have still voted for President Obama . . . it was time!
1
Finally, some respect from Brooks. I wager that history will judge Obama as a truly gifted and honorable man, frustrated by his strong feelings for justice which were not all doable in the reality he inherited.
I hope he will consider being UN Secretary General. After surviving the powerful sharks in America, I can't think of a person better suited to giving us leadership as our world shrinks.
I hope he will consider being UN Secretary General. After surviving the powerful sharks in America, I can't think of a person better suited to giving us leadership as our world shrinks.
This point of view will become more apparent over time. It really has nothing to do with the present candidates. It is just the basic truth.
In the black community, we are immensely proud of this man. Because of the many attributes that David Brooks describes, and because of his accomplishments at home and abroad, we all walk taller.
3
Except for those of us in the Black community who are educated, professionals with a conscience. We are disgusted by the Obama presidency, and embarrassed. November can't come soon enough.
1
What an odd column. It's as if Mr. Brooks is at step 10 of a 12 step program to overcome his ODS (Obama Derangement Syndrome). He needs to preface his remarks with a mealy mouthed disclaimer. Disappointed by "aspects"? A
"philosophic departure"? Come on Mr. Brooks, you can say it - The country would be fortunate if it could have a third Obama term.
"philosophic departure"? Come on Mr. Brooks, you can say it - The country would be fortunate if it could have a third Obama term.
Spot on, both the favorable and not, to this admirer of the president. His civility, intellectual competence, and broadly realized (if imperfect) empathy continue to impress, fascinate, and move me deeply. Inclined his way, these pillars of character are starkly visible. You've looked openly and wisely to see them through ideological difference, another pillar of character seemingly nowhere to be found.
Beyond the detail of what he did or did not grind out of the empty vitriol now subsuming our discourse and politics, it is saddest to me that he could have been a worthwhile adversary to an engaged, constructive opposition toward the betterment he, and we who voted him in, so earnestly sought.
Beyond the detail of what he did or did not grind out of the empty vitriol now subsuming our discourse and politics, it is saddest to me that he could have been a worthwhile adversary to an engaged, constructive opposition toward the betterment he, and we who voted him in, so earnestly sought.
2
Judging from the comments here and elsewhere, Health Care FairyLand is well-populated and the inhabitants are itchin' for a fight.
Has everyone forgotten how hard it has been to change the US health care "system" (snicker quotes intentional) even this much? Not just during the Obama Administration, but for nearly half a century?
Hillary Clinton was a blonde when she tried to overhaul healthcare in 1991. She was showing a lot of gray when the dust settled, and in the meantime she had been made a target of hatred, ridicule, scurrilous rumor and innuendo, the likes of which have rarely been seen. Why? Because she threatened an entire industry with lots of politicians on its leash.
Watching some of Sanders' most fervent fans hurl much the same nastiness at her over healthcare is a nauseating trip down Bad Memory Lane.
Okay, the 1990s are in the deep, dark past. But anyone old enough to vote in 2016 was surely old enough to notice that Obama was treated to the same ugliness when his health care plan was presented. Again, he came in with a head full of dark hair and is going out as grey as an old goose. Why do you think that is? Because he went for the "easy" win?
The idea that one president is capable of sweeping reform in light of the backlash against incremental change is ludicrous. Is there something in the water in FairyLand?
Has everyone forgotten how hard it has been to change the US health care "system" (snicker quotes intentional) even this much? Not just during the Obama Administration, but for nearly half a century?
Hillary Clinton was a blonde when she tried to overhaul healthcare in 1991. She was showing a lot of gray when the dust settled, and in the meantime she had been made a target of hatred, ridicule, scurrilous rumor and innuendo, the likes of which have rarely been seen. Why? Because she threatened an entire industry with lots of politicians on its leash.
Watching some of Sanders' most fervent fans hurl much the same nastiness at her over healthcare is a nauseating trip down Bad Memory Lane.
Okay, the 1990s are in the deep, dark past. But anyone old enough to vote in 2016 was surely old enough to notice that Obama was treated to the same ugliness when his health care plan was presented. Again, he came in with a head full of dark hair and is going out as grey as an old goose. Why do you think that is? Because he went for the "easy" win?
The idea that one president is capable of sweeping reform in light of the backlash against incremental change is ludicrous. Is there something in the water in FairyLand?
1
I'm sure many of us will miss the Obamas being in the White House! I am very embarrassed with the candidates running for office today!
1
I missed having such a dignified and intelligent President treated with basic respect and civility during his terms. Who contributed to that, Mr Brooks and Fellows?
3
Gosh Mr. Brooks, you are late to the table on this one.
3
Still a shock to read a graceful article only to find cynical comments in response. I miss Mrs. Von Schulick, my English teacher, who told us to "read critically and then keep it you yourself."
2
I agree with MovieJay, you lost me when you started attacking Bernie Sanders(especially when you felt the need to wrongly include that there would be a "massive tax hike". I guess the idea of spending around an extra $500 in taxes to save you thousands by cutting down on copays and deductibles isn't your cup of tea. I really hoped for more while reading this article. Instead, it ended up feeling like a way for the writer to express his views on many running for office.
4
This is the sort of article that makes me proud to be an American (if though I don't reside in America anymore)...not the politics of personality and the conspicuous absence of impartial journalism that have lately infused our country.
Whoever said that David Brooks can't write anything good about a liberal?!
Whoever said that David Brooks can't write anything good about a liberal?!
Say what you want but no doubt the USA would be consumed, once more, with another multi-trillion dollar war in Syria right now if it were not for the wisdom being displayed by President Obama. Even now, the sabers rattle almost every day... we will be fortunate indeed if none of the Evangelical Hawks get elected.
Just once, I'd love to hear a journalist ask each candidate "Would a real Christian "carpet bomb" ISISL, or actually turn the other cheek?"
Just once, I'd love to hear a journalist ask each candidate "Would a real Christian "carpet bomb" ISISL, or actually turn the other cheek?"
3
"But over the course of this campaign it feels as if there’s been a decline in behavioral standards across the board."
You're joking right? Maybe recency bias? In the 2012 election Obama's campaign did not talk about the issues, the economy or anything, it was just a barrage of attacks against Romney, from lies about his taxes, to accusations of Romney being responsible for a women's cancer death.
You're joking right? Maybe recency bias? In the 2012 election Obama's campaign did not talk about the issues, the economy or anything, it was just a barrage of attacks against Romney, from lies about his taxes, to accusations of Romney being responsible for a women's cancer death.
Weren't those attacks coming from the newly minted bottomless pits of money called Super Pacs?
Brave new world we've got here.
Brave new world we've got here.
1
"Obama radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance that I’m beginning to miss, and that I suspect we will all miss ...." Amen to that Mr. Brooks, Amen to that. President Obama's departure will be felt like the departure of the president he most closely approximates in thought, action and integrity: Abraham Lincoln. As was said of Lincoln: "He departed as a great oak falls and left an empty space against the sky."
8
David-
Are you ok ? I almost spilled my morning coffee.
Excellent column. Have you spent too much time on the
PBS Newshour listening to Mark Shields ?
Best regards..
Are you ok ? I almost spilled my morning coffee.
Excellent column. Have you spent too much time on the
PBS Newshour listening to Mark Shields ?
Best regards..
3
OMG!! Mr. Brooks, please chalk up today's date on a wall. I'm sort of horrified to accept this but I do agree with you a 100%. You just have accepted and put the blame squarely on the GOP obstructionism for the last eight years . Now to make nice please disavow every republican and endorse every democrat for the next election cycle.
2
A refreshing and honest piece by a conservative columnist praising a President with whom he has huge ideological differences.
This is exactly what is missing in our country and in our politics: giving credit to the other side when credit is due!
What happened to those politicians who treated one another with respect across the isle, reached out to one another, passed legislation and always put the country before their own self interest?
Thank you, Mr. Brooks!
This is exactly what is missing in our country and in our politics: giving credit to the other side when credit is due!
What happened to those politicians who treated one another with respect across the isle, reached out to one another, passed legislation and always put the country before their own self interest?
Thank you, Mr. Brooks!
3
I am so glad I took the time to read your opinion this morning because I felt nobody understood about how I feel about the canpaign this year. I am proud of our country and want people in office who feel that they dont have to ridicule everything the opposing party stands for but instead can come up withconcrete proposals of their own. Being brash and vulgar is not the way.
2
What stuns me is that it has taken this long for Mr. Brooks to figure out about Barack Obama what most of the country knew seven years ago.
7
My thought exactly!
Nice column, great to read and share this.
Are Republican leaders reading these comments and watching changing US demographics and attitudes? The Republican drumbeat has become singular and mean.
Are Republican leaders reading these comments and watching changing US demographics and attitudes? The Republican drumbeat has become singular and mean.
2
"Fifth, a resilient sense of optimism." Now, who can continue that sense of optimism? I believe that Hillary Clinton can do that, by becoming the first woman president. Obama was the first Black President and now it might be time for a woman to occupy the White House.
What do you think, David Brooks? Is it time? Do you see how Hillary might continue that resilient optimism? Do you see how motivating woman and men to rise up in leadership position is what we need to sustain the economy, in the face of stagnation?
My fear is that Hillary is ashamed to push the woman thing to the max. I suggest that she use a symbol. She might try making a "V" with both hands together, to form a "W" for woman:
One step for (W)oman. One giant leap for (H)umankind
=========================================
W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
What do you think, David Brooks? Is it time? Do you see how Hillary might continue that resilient optimism? Do you see how motivating woman and men to rise up in leadership position is what we need to sustain the economy, in the face of stagnation?
My fear is that Hillary is ashamed to push the woman thing to the max. I suggest that she use a symbol. She might try making a "V" with both hands together, to form a "W" for woman:
One step for (W)oman. One giant leap for (H)umankind
=========================================
W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
4
At last, David Brooks writes a column I can almost agree with. Personally, I have never found President Obama "disdainful, aloof, resentfull" or 'insular'. It's been so refreshing to have an adult in the White House.
8
You could have said something positive about his integrity before. You are just using his integrity to try to throw shade on Hilary Clinton, whom you oppose on ideologic grounds.
1
Amen Brother Brooks. President Obama has looked hate in the eye and keep on moving with humility. This man is a quiet voice of reasoning, while the Republican's hatefest gouged with anger and vugarity. He would undoubtedly win a third term if he ran and millions of American will miss him and his wonderful family. I'm so proud of this man, and America need more of him rather than the angry white male of the Republican Party.
6
why don't the democrats nominate michelle?
1
"wallow in the pornography of pessimism" David! Channeling your inner Will Safire!
2
This column is not only about values, it is also about fear.
It is about fear of Senator Sanders’ inspirational call for a political revolution that has stirred America’s youth.
David Brooks writes that “Obama’s basic approach is to promote his values as much as he can within the limits of the situation,” but that Sanders “has been so blinded by his values that the reality of the situation does not seem to penetrate his mind.”
Using Obamacare as an example, Brooks writes that Obama “took coverage away from only a small minority of Americans,” but that Sanders “would take employer coverage away from tens of millions of satisfied customers, destroy the health insurance business and levy massive new tax hikes,” is inaccurate because Senator Sanders has repeatedly emphasized that he would not dismantle Obamacare, before first putting into full operation his proposal for an all-inclusive health program that would leave no one behind, one that would save taxpayers nearly five thousand dollars annually in return for a modest increase in tax.
Yet fear of Senator Sanders call for racial, economic and social justice persists, especially among conservatives.
Senator Sanders may win primaries in several states. He may even win the 2016 election to the White House.
But he also needs to win the hearts of those gripped with fear of his lofty program for social and economic justice for all Americans.
It is about fear of Senator Sanders’ inspirational call for a political revolution that has stirred America’s youth.
David Brooks writes that “Obama’s basic approach is to promote his values as much as he can within the limits of the situation,” but that Sanders “has been so blinded by his values that the reality of the situation does not seem to penetrate his mind.”
Using Obamacare as an example, Brooks writes that Obama “took coverage away from only a small minority of Americans,” but that Sanders “would take employer coverage away from tens of millions of satisfied customers, destroy the health insurance business and levy massive new tax hikes,” is inaccurate because Senator Sanders has repeatedly emphasized that he would not dismantle Obamacare, before first putting into full operation his proposal for an all-inclusive health program that would leave no one behind, one that would save taxpayers nearly five thousand dollars annually in return for a modest increase in tax.
Yet fear of Senator Sanders call for racial, economic and social justice persists, especially among conservatives.
Senator Sanders may win primaries in several states. He may even win the 2016 election to the White House.
But he also needs to win the hearts of those gripped with fear of his lofty program for social and economic justice for all Americans.
4
David, the word you may be searching for to describe Obama is "adult". Obama is an emotionally fully formed adult. As a result, I do not worry that Obama is the one answering the phone at 3:00 A.M...not one bit. Admit it David, who else would you want answering the phone other than Obama? For me, our greatest loss in January 2017 is that Obama will no longer be taking those calls. I just hope that the next President will have some of Obama's adultness as well.
3
He has never embarrassed the office of the Presidency. How wonderfully refreshing.
4
Well written Mr Brooks.....Don't forget he saw us through the greatest economic disaster in this country since the great depression and did tremendous damage control re Iraq 2 war, pound for pound the greatest foreign policy blunder in American's history.
He is no Lincoln or even a Roosevelt and a conservative can disagree with some of his policies but compared to the current crop of candidates in both parties and the admitted war criminal Bush 2, he looks like a Lincoln.
He is no Lincoln or even a Roosevelt and a conservative can disagree with some of his policies but compared to the current crop of candidates in both parties and the admitted war criminal Bush 2, he looks like a Lincoln.
5
Just when I think David is going to say something nice there is always some nasty zinger about midway through and it all falls apart. Thanks for being so stultifyingly predictable, David.
5
To David Brooks: How do you feel, David, when you are bombarded with criticism both just and unjust? Might you have some emotions running along the lines of "disdainful, aloof, resentful and insular?" Obama has been the Republican boogyman since Day One when Republicans woke up and discovered a black man and his black family were inhabiting the White House. Mitch McConnell wanted him out of there but stopped short of planting a burning cross on the White House lawn. Republican rank and file were less considerate. Yet, Obama "radiates an ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance." True that. But finding it "charming that Marco Rubio gets nervous on the big occasions" sounds like Mr. Brooks doesn't what to "go there" - you know: the real, deep-down truth about the essence of the man.
8
Wayne Falda, you nailed it. What a sad commentary on the politics of our country, but all too true, every word.
1
No matter who leads next, I will miss saying, "I love it when I wake up in the morning and Barack Obama is President."
9
David, I was with you until you brought up the president's alleged "overconfidence." Not to impugn your motives and I would like to believe it was not your intention, but you're dangerously close to repeating the Republican dog whistle that Obama doesn't know his "place." And Rubio's bizarre responses as "charming"? I don't even know where to start there. At the risk of sounding like his tormentor Christie, this isn't a high school debate, it's the presidency. It's disappointing to see those points mar an otherwise thoughtful and elegant piece.
6
Wow! I am very impressed by your intellectual integrity, as shown with this piece.
Thank-you David Brooks ! Regardless of who we elect as president in Nov., I will miss the qualities that Barack Obama has brought to the White House. I, as a Democrat, have not agreed with everything that he has done politically, but his decorum has been exceptional, and presidential. We shall see where we go from here!
3
I can offer nothing more than a hearty, hear, hear, for Mr. Brooks' assessment. I shed tears when President Obama was elected and I will shed them again when he leaves office.
4
Even a guy like David Brooks is able to recognize class and dignity. Who knew?
6
And that comment suggests you have neither.
A pitch-perfect article, thank you. I don't miss him, because I still see that man in force, albeit wearier -- an inevitable result of blind opposition from Congress (who today rejected Obama's budget proposal "sight unseen"). Dealing with children takes a lot out of you.
8
Sounds like Brooks does not think that Donald Trump (#1 in the GOP polls) or Ted Cruz (#2 in the GOP polls) have the ability to withstand criticism with the same dignity and grace as displayed by Barack Obama. I look forward to the Brooks' columns once either Trump or Cruz is nominated which expound on either man's "ethos of integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance." Or lack thereof.
7
After more than seven years of deep slumber, one Republican has awaken to fact. Well done, David. I assume you will be voting for Hillary, yes?
4
He didn't say he should have voted for him, which of course he should have. Brooks doesn't deserve even faint praise for the ability to recognize that human caring based on reciprocal relationships are essential for a sustainable living culture. He has spent his entire adulthood basing his value system on the scarcity of goods, services, health care, good education, housing and other essential basics to life for ALL the people, not just those that have ready access to the capitalistic goodies that his values block masses out of being available to do so.
And so Mr David Brooks joins the "I was on your side all the time!" club.
7
David,
It's too bad - now that you have belatedly come to realize the exceptional character of Mr. Obama - that you chose to spend the better part of the past 7+ years tearing him down in your quiet oh-so-reasonable way. Yours has long been the socially acceptable voice of the right-wing attack dogs. At least you have the decency to suggest that you have some regret. Perhaps being confronted with the reality of the current pathetic herd of Republican candidates has helped you see more clearly.
It's too bad - now that you have belatedly come to realize the exceptional character of Mr. Obama - that you chose to spend the better part of the past 7+ years tearing him down in your quiet oh-so-reasonable way. Yours has long been the socially acceptable voice of the right-wing attack dogs. At least you have the decency to suggest that you have some regret. Perhaps being confronted with the reality of the current pathetic herd of Republican candidates has helped you see more clearly.
13
Thank you David for being the first person to articulate in a major newspaper what some of us have been thinking for awhile now. My wife and I just had this same discussion as we were watching the debates. People can say what they want about our President, but one thing they couldn't say is that the Obama's haven't gone about their lives without class and dignity.
8
Funny how we had to listen to Brooks and others complain that Obama was too negative and generally down on American exceptionalism. Apologetic and unpatriotic. Blah and blah. But now--chickens having come home to roost--we hear the right talking about our country like it has already fallen and cant get up. Any good leader carries the same message: we could be better (that was the thrust of Kennedy Reagan Clinton and Obama). So why isnt the right so protective of our greatness? Why do our faults flow so easily from their tongues? For the same reason it was treason for O to have been born off our soil but its no big whoop for Cruz. Naked (of the buck kind) hypocrisy.
8
Too little, too late, Mr. Brooks. Also, I doubt he wishes to be used as a stick to beat the Clintons or Bernie Sanders with. Unsavory characters IN the Christie administration? Christie IS an unsavory character. The sophistry in your writing starts to smell as soon as the ink leaves your pen. You did everything you could to undermine this president, and to the benefit of unsavory, dishonest, and basically worthless characters in the Republican party. Now you want to be remembered as the guy who gave Obama his "due"?
13
Thank you Mr Brooks. Thank yoi
It's a nice statement on Obama's character and I genuinely appreciate that. I always enjoyed the decorum, maturity and respect David Brooks displayed while commenting alongside Shields on the PBS Newshour.
But Obama's character doesn't seem to be David Brook's main point in this column. Interwoven with it are softly spoken assertions that Sanders is deluded, Clinton is corrupt, Cruz is arrogant, Trump is, well, Trump, and Marco Rubio is charmingly human.
But Obama's character doesn't seem to be David Brook's main point in this column. Interwoven with it are softly spoken assertions that Sanders is deluded, Clinton is corrupt, Cruz is arrogant, Trump is, well, Trump, and Marco Rubio is charmingly human.
5
And of course, Obama isn't running for reelection, so the thrust of David's column is to denigrate both Democratic candidates and those Republican candidates whom he opposes. I ask again - whom does he think he's kidding?
2
I've been waiting for this...from the right, the far left, and Congress. We ALL will miss Barack Obama. While I don't agree with him on some issues, I, an independent voter, remain proud Barack Obama is our President. That feeling only intensifies with each debate.
8
Excuse me… Marco Rubio is a "normal person" because he gets nervous during debates?? Rubio is far from normal. He was elected to the US Senate, decided that he didn't like the job, failed to show up for work, and then announced he wanted to be President instead. There's nothing normal about blind ambition, accepting a big paycheck but not showing up for work, and running for President as a programmable automaton.
7
Rubio's rote, obsessive repetitions about Obama are indicative of a person whose judgment is shockingly untrustworthy. Some say 'talented but for a other time' -- but he has never shown this 'talent', has he? Some said it was his 'oops!' moment. Let's hope.
Too late, David.
8
Now, I know how the Reaganites felt in 1988 when they wished he could run for a third time.
This shows the unreasonableness of term limits when the best candidate is arbitrarily disqualified.
Obama 2016! For the hat trick.
This shows the unreasonableness of term limits when the best candidate is arbitrarily disqualified.
Obama 2016! For the hat trick.
3
I can applaud Mr. Brooks for his willingness to admit to his admiration for Barack Obama, given that his party's stance has been to act as if Obama is a cousin of the Devil. When, however, Brooks confesses a soft spot for Marco Rubio—an exceptionally callow man who is currently trying to score points among conservatives by implying that Obama has been trying to ruin America—I have to wonder whether Mr. Brooks really cares so much about tone and integrity. And, for his sake, I hope he doesn't care that much—because the GOP isn't producing admirable politicians anymore
3
Obama is the greatest president in many respects, but scandal free? I disagree. The drone strikes, the tearing apart of immigrant families through the highest number of deportations in history (except for his aunt from Kenya, who breezed through the visa process even after breaking immigration regulations), the caving in to Wall Street and other scandalous policies.
In 2007, amid the Obama craze of the vacuous "Hope" campaign he kept saying he was imperfect, probably sensing that perfection was being expected of him. A lot of us knew that his presidency would not usher in a "post-racial" era. That was white guilt wishful thinking.
The killings of African-Americans by rogue cops, the hate-filled proposals by a majority of GOP candidates are tragic evidence.
Even through the scandals of drone strikes, etc., he is an extraordinary role model precisely because his decisions at times have been disappointing. But then, I do not know the horrors of running a superpower that he knows.
I will not miss his penchant for hubris (his attack on an immigrant transgender woman was a low point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w71OGC6Jx9w), his reluctance to battle it out with Congress. Still, through it all, he has accomplished so much more against a tide of bigotry in Congress and discouraging apathy by voters in midterm elections.
So there have been scandals. Nobody's perfect.
But an imperfect man in the White House transformed the nation after all.
In 2007, amid the Obama craze of the vacuous "Hope" campaign he kept saying he was imperfect, probably sensing that perfection was being expected of him. A lot of us knew that his presidency would not usher in a "post-racial" era. That was white guilt wishful thinking.
The killings of African-Americans by rogue cops, the hate-filled proposals by a majority of GOP candidates are tragic evidence.
Even through the scandals of drone strikes, etc., he is an extraordinary role model precisely because his decisions at times have been disappointing. But then, I do not know the horrors of running a superpower that he knows.
I will not miss his penchant for hubris (his attack on an immigrant transgender woman was a low point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w71OGC6Jx9w), his reluctance to battle it out with Congress. Still, through it all, he has accomplished so much more against a tide of bigotry in Congress and discouraging apathy by voters in midterm elections.
So there have been scandals. Nobody's perfect.
But an imperfect man in the White House transformed the nation after all.
1
How refreshing to actually see a positive article about a fine President. Thank you, Mr. Brooks. The negativity that is so rampant now needs to go.
5
Way to go Brooks -- You shouldn't be addressed as Mr Brooks until you can bring yourself to write 'President' Obama. You helped create created the hate on the right.
12
Thank you David. I continue to believe that 50 or more years from now Obama will be judged much more favorably that he is now.
Thank you for this thoughtful and balanced assessment. We get lost in the chant of "making America great again" and lose sight of the riches that we already possess. It's a great reminder to anyone willing to listen.
3
David, I agree with you that Mr. Obama is a decent family man, but to ignore the real alfavts of his presidency, like doubling national debt, lying to American people on almost everything (shovel ready project for that 700 billion scam that went as bribe to his constituents and then saying, never mind those projects were not that shovel ready, lying about health insurance "if you like your insurance - you keep your insurance " , and so many other lies. Then Balkanaizing country by putting race against other race, lowest work participation in 40 years, unemployment among blacks higher than in era of another Democrat, Jim Craw,. We have had 16 years of country led by two worst presidents of modern era, George Bush and Barak Obama, and your comment is how you are going to miss it???
2
Mr. Brooks, you remind me of the kid who killed his parents and then complained because he was an orphan. (And, for what it's worth, there's already a punk band named Social Distortion. You'll have to think of a new name for your group.)
6
I believe it’s fair to say that during my lifetime… being born during the Truman administration… we have not had a president with more of the positive qualities we need in a president. Nor has a president had to deal with as many lethal… even existential… threats. (OK… maybe Truman’s ending of WWII was up there.)
Mr. Brooks can quibble about Obama’s reluctance to be more proactive in the Middle East, but it’s impossible to argue that it would be easy to bring another adventure in that region to a satisfactory conclusion. Maybe Truman had the right approach with the Marshall Plan… but somehow, I don’t see that as a viable option this time around.
Mr. Brooks can quibble about Obama’s reluctance to be more proactive in the Middle East, but it’s impossible to argue that it would be easy to bring another adventure in that region to a satisfactory conclusion. Maybe Truman had the right approach with the Marshall Plan… but somehow, I don’t see that as a viable option this time around.
2
As a Malaysian, I agree with David Brooks' comments about President Obama.
Complete integrity, respect for people from everywhere, and deep humanity. His mother and maternal grandparents did a good job!
I shall miss him!
I think he did very well despite the Republicans recalcitrance and stonewalling. America is also going to miss Obama, after Jan 20 next year.
Complete integrity, respect for people from everywhere, and deep humanity. His mother and maternal grandparents did a good job!
I shall miss him!
I think he did very well despite the Republicans recalcitrance and stonewalling. America is also going to miss Obama, after Jan 20 next year.
5
Bravo Mr. Brooks. I share your view of President Obama and I am appalled by Marco Rubio's characterization of Obama's agenda. Rubio says over and over that Obama is a saboteur of fundamental American governmental values who is leading the nation to disaster. This hyperbolic misguided rhetoric, expressed solely to boost Rubio's campaign prospects, insults the intelligence of the electorate and tells me that Rubio is clearly not qualified to become president of the United States.
I suspect Mr. Brooks you are right; we are going to miss the dignity President Obama brought to his office.
I suspect Mr. Brooks you are right; we are going to miss the dignity President Obama brought to his office.
5
So what David is saying is that Barack Obama embodies the leadership characteristics and values that David often writes about when describing what makes America great.
7
Thank you for this article, while I am a very liberal democrat, I appreciate your comments on the Obamas and that everything isn't black and white.
1
Things worth saying. And we'll be needing to hear them more and more from you in the future, Mr. Brooks.
3
"He and his wife have not only displayed superior integrity themselves, they have mostly attracted and hired people with high personal standards. There are all sorts of unsightly characters floating around politics, including in the Clinton camp and in Gov. Chris Christie’s administration. This sort has been blocked from team Obama."
Leon Panetta - Clinton WH Chief of Staff who joined "Team Obama"
John Podesta - Clinton WH Chief of Staff who joined "Team Obama"
Rahm Emanuel - Clinton WH Senior Advisor who joined "Team Obama"
James Steinberg - Deputy NSA for Clinton WH and Hillary aide who joined "Team Obama"
Seriously David.
The one thing the NYT fears the most? Fact checkers.
Leon Panetta - Clinton WH Chief of Staff who joined "Team Obama"
John Podesta - Clinton WH Chief of Staff who joined "Team Obama"
Rahm Emanuel - Clinton WH Senior Advisor who joined "Team Obama"
James Steinberg - Deputy NSA for Clinton WH and Hillary aide who joined "Team Obama"
Seriously David.
The one thing the NYT fears the most? Fact checkers.
2
And apparently, what the Right fears most is people who and read and write.
Brooks didn't say that there were no Clinton people in the President's administration. Bush people too, come to think of it, which in some fashion you seem to have forgotten.
Brooks said that there weren't any of the unsavory types who'd been floating around the Clintons in this Administration, which happens to be, wossname, true.
And before you start cranking, no, disagreeing with you doesn't make you a crook.
Brooks didn't say that there were no Clinton people in the President's administration. Bush people too, come to think of it, which in some fashion you seem to have forgotten.
Brooks said that there weren't any of the unsavory types who'd been floating around the Clintons in this Administration, which happens to be, wossname, true.
And before you start cranking, no, disagreeing with you doesn't make you a crook.
2
Well said, Mr.Brooks.
2
You are reaping the whirlwind you spent so many years sowing and cultivating.
8
Well said. He is a good and decent man that will go down in history as one of our better presidents.
5
Obama's qualities were obvious to me after the first few times I saw him speak. That it took Mr. Brooks eight years to recognize these qualities makes me question his overall judgement.
9
I think it's called being an adult. seems to be a low priority for republicans.
8
Well put David. This accurately reflects my feelings about Obama's presidency! Thank you!
2
Yup
1
Thank you, Mr. Brooks.
1
"Sanderscare would take employer coverage away from tens of millions of satisfied customers,..."
Show me health insurance companies satisfied customers. Most look at their insurance companies as being a lesser evil.
Show me health insurance companies satisfied customers. Most look at their insurance companies as being a lesser evil.
4
Cost for health care per person in PPP dollars in 2013:
US - 8713
OECD average - 3453
UK (socialized) - 3235
Canada (Medicare for ALL) - 4351
Australia (similar obesity smoking and drinking) - 3866
Switzerland (strongly regulated private insurance) - 6325
The Netherlands (partially like the Swiss) - 5131
France - 4124
Germany - 4819
Italy - 3077
Japan - 3713
Sweden - 4904
http://www.oecd.org/els/health-systems/oecd-health-statistics-2014-frequ...
Bernie's plan would not only save well over $1 TRILLION each and every year, it would cover EVERYONE and, as the results in other countries show, yield better results. This is the bottom line which Brooks is blind to.
US - 8713
OECD average - 3453
UK (socialized) - 3235
Canada (Medicare for ALL) - 4351
Australia (similar obesity smoking and drinking) - 3866
Switzerland (strongly regulated private insurance) - 6325
The Netherlands (partially like the Swiss) - 5131
France - 4124
Germany - 4819
Italy - 3077
Japan - 3713
Sweden - 4904
http://www.oecd.org/els/health-systems/oecd-health-statistics-2014-frequ...
Bernie's plan would not only save well over $1 TRILLION each and every year, it would cover EVERYONE and, as the results in other countries show, yield better results. This is the bottom line which Brooks is blind to.
8
While we should have at least a public option and it is inexcusable that we spend 30-40% more than the next most expensive country for mostly-mediocre outcomes, I have to notce that you left out a few eensy things.
Like the taxes these countries pay.
Lke that their citizens generally buy supplemental insurance.
Like the fact that their health care is openly rationed.
Like how exactly you save all this money.
Like how you get tens of millions of people to give up their employer bennies, in exchange for a whopping tax increase and plans that, like Medicare, offer fewer bennies.
And before you start, OF COURSE we should go single-payer. Good luck on that.
Like the taxes these countries pay.
Lke that their citizens generally buy supplemental insurance.
Like the fact that their health care is openly rationed.
Like how exactly you save all this money.
Like how you get tens of millions of people to give up their employer bennies, in exchange for a whopping tax increase and plans that, like Medicare, offer fewer bennies.
And before you start, OF COURSE we should go single-payer. Good luck on that.
1
Robert -
Of course, the part of their taxes for health care is included.
No, only some buy and in some countries (e.g. Canada), it is not lawful. Anyway it is mainly for things like botox.
Most of the rationing in other countries is that they do not allow unnecessary tests and ineffective treatments. Ours is done by wealth.
These figures are from www.pnhp.org and are yearly savings:
$200 - $400 Billion from private insurance co overhead.
$400 - $600 Billion from compliance costs of hospitals, physicians and patients.
$100 - $200 Billion from Big Pharma's marketing and administrations costs (think executive compensation)
In addition as the Times series "Paying 'Til it Hurts" illustrates, the costs of test and procedures is chaotic and much higher than in other countries. You can still give as many such as we do now (although a lot are unnecessary), but simply charge what they are worth.
None of these enormous savings (over $1 TRILLION each and every year) involves saying no to patients.
Most people would rather pay $500 a month more in taxes than $1,000 a month in insurance premiums or lower wages. You perhaps are an exception. The savings are so great that Medicare could be improved. In any case, the best insurance I have ever had has been Medicare (without Medigap).
Many polls starting in 2003 have shown 2 to 1 support for Medicare for All. Medicare is one of the best loved brands in the world.
Of course, the part of their taxes for health care is included.
No, only some buy and in some countries (e.g. Canada), it is not lawful. Anyway it is mainly for things like botox.
Most of the rationing in other countries is that they do not allow unnecessary tests and ineffective treatments. Ours is done by wealth.
These figures are from www.pnhp.org and are yearly savings:
$200 - $400 Billion from private insurance co overhead.
$400 - $600 Billion from compliance costs of hospitals, physicians and patients.
$100 - $200 Billion from Big Pharma's marketing and administrations costs (think executive compensation)
In addition as the Times series "Paying 'Til it Hurts" illustrates, the costs of test and procedures is chaotic and much higher than in other countries. You can still give as many such as we do now (although a lot are unnecessary), but simply charge what they are worth.
None of these enormous savings (over $1 TRILLION each and every year) involves saying no to patients.
Most people would rather pay $500 a month more in taxes than $1,000 a month in insurance premiums or lower wages. You perhaps are an exception. The savings are so great that Medicare could be improved. In any case, the best insurance I have ever had has been Medicare (without Medigap).
Many polls starting in 2003 have shown 2 to 1 support for Medicare for All. Medicare is one of the best loved brands in the world.
Oh yes, and the amount paid for supplementary insurance where it is available is included in the figures I gave.
Mr. Brooks...a moment of sentimentality...I get it..we are all human..and can have those feelings. President Obama certainly is unique whether you like his policies or not..The current cast of Presidential aspirants don't seem to offer endearing and/or charismatic personas...but given the complex issues of the day, authenticity, diverse skills including leadership, and street smarts are probably more important for getting things done. So where do "we the people" look now?
The majority of Republican/conservative hatred of Obama has been based squarely on the fact that he is black, period.
3
You state with zero evidence. More likely the conservative dislike for Obama is that he is an incompetent fool whose policies have been disastrous for this country. And despite what David "pants crease" Brooks writes, Obama has presided over a scandal-ridden administration from Fast and Furious to IRS-gate, in which the IRS was used as a weapon to target his political opponents. Obamacare is a complete failure by any measure. It has raised health care costs, raised premiums, and increased copays dramatically. It's barely made a dent in the uninsured numbers. Obama is a petulent child who has used his position to divide this country. Thank God in Heaven that the corrupt geriatric you Democrats have chosen as his successor is losing so badly.
"Obama has not been temperamentally perfect. Too often he’s been disdainful, aloof, resentful and insular."
I walked past The Caucus Room Brasserie near Capitol Hill just yesterday, where Jim DeMint, Paul Ryan, Newt Gingrich, and other Republican policy-makers met on the very day of President Obama's 2009 inauguration to formulate a party-wide policy of pure obstructionism against the incoming President. It was an incredibly arrogant cabal, given the wreckage of the just-ended Bush administration still smoldering up to America's very neck.
Now, say again who has been "disdainful, aloof, resentful and insular" . . .
I walked past The Caucus Room Brasserie near Capitol Hill just yesterday, where Jim DeMint, Paul Ryan, Newt Gingrich, and other Republican policy-makers met on the very day of President Obama's 2009 inauguration to formulate a party-wide policy of pure obstructionism against the incoming President. It was an incredibly arrogant cabal, given the wreckage of the just-ended Bush administration still smoldering up to America's very neck.
Now, say again who has been "disdainful, aloof, resentful and insular" . . .
8
The race to the bottom the current candidates have undertaken has underscored a sharp difference in what are perceived to be “presidential” character traits. They all seem to running to be the anti-Obama, were whoever shouts the loudest is given attention, whoever reinforces a perverse right to ignorance prevails. Neither party is immune, but the Republican field is highly focused on perfecting these tactics. Thank you, David, for admitting what will become increasingly evident: that President Obama’s tenure will be viewed as a high water mark for “integrity, humanity, good manners and elegance,” attributes that Americans, in reality, and in the absence of absurd campaign rhetoric, value most.
2
Sharing this to my Facebook page, where I normally try to avoid anything political. Hopefully some of the "hate Obama" crowd will take the time to read it, realizing it was written by a conservative. Will it change anyone's mind? Doubtfully.. But perhaps it will cause some to take a minute to stop and think about the fact that the family that they despise so much is very much worth respecting for so many reasons. Here goes......
3
Plus, Brooks says, Obama shows a terrific amount of optimism." Yeah, he's in control, so he has to be optimistic. Where was that optimism when he was running for president? Did he sound optimistic in some of his campaign speeches describing how terrible things were for the US?
1
Thank you, Mr. Brooks. I miss Barack Obama, too. We should form a group, under the name of your column, and gather for periodic commiseration sessions as the madness progresses (or should I say regresses), state by state.
I'll bring pastries and coffee.
I'll bring pastries and coffee.
He misses an adult huh. The way our primary season has gone Kim Kardashian could jump into either primary and come in second in the polls. Maybe the media , Mr. Brooks included, has a minor role in that , not to mention SCOTUS and their attitude towards the electorate evinced by Citizens United. Jefferson would be turning in his grave looking for some real information as to the candidates
1
In the face of ugly hostility that I can only attribute to racism, the President and First Lady have carried on with amazing integrity and dignity. We'll all miss them when we see what replaces them!!
2
Dear Mr. Brooks: I concur. President Obama has not left the building yet I am missing him already. I think Hillary the only one capable of filling his shoes and I felt the same in '08 but that's beside the point now.
When I look at all the Republicans I also miss old Mittens. He of Massachusetts, of RomneyCare, a moderate when he was governor who had to tact so far right to placate the Tea Party Patriots who were so off the beam with their demands for stupidity, he wasn't recognizable to we here in the Northeast anymore.
Now look what we've got to deal with? Trump? Good God! Cruz? How could the Stupid Party decide to double down on their viciousness? How was it possible? Well, they've done it. Mission Accomplished.
Dear Barack, you've been great. Missing you already.We won't realize this till some time in the future.
DD
Manhattan
When I look at all the Republicans I also miss old Mittens. He of Massachusetts, of RomneyCare, a moderate when he was governor who had to tact so far right to placate the Tea Party Patriots who were so off the beam with their demands for stupidity, he wasn't recognizable to we here in the Northeast anymore.
Now look what we've got to deal with? Trump? Good God! Cruz? How could the Stupid Party decide to double down on their viciousness? How was it possible? Well, they've done it. Mission Accomplished.
Dear Barack, you've been great. Missing you already.We won't realize this till some time in the future.
DD
Manhattan
1
Next year, when you're dealing with the Bern, please remember that it was conservative resistance to everything President Obama attempted to do - even when it was something conservatives approved of - that helped make Bernie sanders possible.
You broke it. You bought it.
You broke it. You bought it.
4
Just watch a Republican debate and you will get a summary of the silent racism which is the the fundamental tool of all of their campaigns, even Carson. Barack Obama is the Jackie Robinson of the Presidency and he has preformed with the same dignity and grace. He will be remembered as one of our greatest Presidents when his accomplishments are viewed through the unbiased tolerance of time.
2
A Democratic president-elect could give us this dream: Constitutional law professor Barack Obama replaces Kennedy or Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. Or better yet, Scalia. But from what Obama's said, his greatest interest is in working with youth. My guess is that he'll be most actively involved in issues like the school-to-prison pipeline. He is a good man. He always has been.
Then again, so is Bernie Sanders. The funny thing about Bernie Sanders is that you go back and watch videos of him from the 1980s and 90s and he looks like this lovable left-wing crank and then you realize: he was right about everything. He was right about income distribution. Right about campaign finance. Right to ask about the probability of a civil war if we invaded Iraq, and right to ask how we would pay for it.
Funny how liberals like Sanders, with a little time, turn out to have been not extremists but just people with a fundamental sense of decency.
Then again, so is Bernie Sanders. The funny thing about Bernie Sanders is that you go back and watch videos of him from the 1980s and 90s and he looks like this lovable left-wing crank and then you realize: he was right about everything. He was right about income distribution. Right about campaign finance. Right to ask about the probability of a civil war if we invaded Iraq, and right to ask how we would pay for it.
Funny how liberals like Sanders, with a little time, turn out to have been not extremists but just people with a fundamental sense of decency.
5
Wow! A staunch lifelong Republican daring to say ANYTHING positive about President Obama? Congratulations, you are the first Republican in more than 7 years to do so. We can only hope there are more of you in hiding who are finally coming to their senses.
Life is good.
Life is good.
3
I have always respected you, Mr Brooks, even while disagreeing with you on many points. Today I respect you even more for this eloquent, honest and moving column. O that more republicans and conservatives of your ilk would speak up and reclaim your "Grand Old Party." We need you.
Thank you, Mr. Brooks, for recognizing true statesmanship in this president.
Mr. Brooks, you're just figuring this out now?
4
"No, Obama has not been temperamentally perfect. Too often he’s been disdainful, aloof, resentful and insular." Mr. Brooks, you have, at every opportunity during Obama's presidency, shilled for the GOP. You have not had a nice word about Obama since he's been elected. Now that he's leaving you're finding his virtues as you damn him with extremely faint praise? He has not been as childish, overbearing, spiteful, or uncooperative as the GOP. He has not been as arrogant as Dick Cheney. He has done the best he could with the hand he was dealt: an uncooperative Congress, a wrecked economy thanks to his predecessor, global tensions that have been somewhat intractable, and the continuing idiocies and near treason of the Republican senators.
Obama was not a perfect president. There is no such person alive. However, he has been an adult. He has not embarrassed his family. He has not derided the concerns of the middle and working classes. He tried to improve our lives. W embarrassed his family. W and his cronies derided the concerns of average Americans. The GOP with its constant tantrum has said no to every action or idea Obama had to help the average American. When Obama turned to executive actions they complained that he was overreaching. Therefore, in light of all the carping you and the GOP have done about Obama your essay comes across as too little too late. You shill for the GOP you can deal with what they have wrought.
Obama was not a perfect president. There is no such person alive. However, he has been an adult. He has not embarrassed his family. He has not derided the concerns of the middle and working classes. He tried to improve our lives. W embarrassed his family. W and his cronies derided the concerns of average Americans. The GOP with its constant tantrum has said no to every action or idea Obama had to help the average American. When Obama turned to executive actions they complained that he was overreaching. Therefore, in light of all the carping you and the GOP have done about Obama your essay comes across as too little too late. You shill for the GOP you can deal with what they have wrought.
3
For God will open doors for you. Oh, you can fight on (Fight on) through your darkest days, (through your darkest days) And even (even though you're) though you can't see the way (heavy laden and can't see your way,) God will open doors (He will open doors) God will open doors (He will open doors)
God will open doors (Open doors for) for you” by Walter Hawkins. The State of the Union Address, I felt like I was attending a funeral. I do not believe we will witness another African American President in my lifetime (56). We cannot equate this to the Miss Universe and Miss America. I prayed that the Obama’s would have had a son during their tenure in the White House. It can still be achieved. Boy would that blow folks minds. The closing song in January 2017- “He’s that Kind of Friend” by Walter Hawkins.