Checking in from the coop, TPM Reader SB reflects on Obama’s gut check moment …
This whole framing of the difference between Romney and Obama on the auto bailout really highlights their personalities. At the time of the bailout, I think general sentiment was, “Screw the US automakers. They made terrible decisions and should pay the price.” At least for me and my group of progressive friends. Honestly, I was angry at the US automakers.
They put out years and years of crap (do you remember being a early 2000’s GM car, for example? Jesus those things sucked. And they rebadged it under 3 different lines.) and big SUVs and didn’t respond with better or more fuel efficient cars and they market was killing them for it. I *wanted* them to suffer. I really did. I blamed them for the oil consumption problem the US had and still has. I was happily driving my TDI Golf on 100% biodiesel that I made at a local coop, and my smugness won out over what was best for the country.
Romney, I think was pandering to that base instinct of the right-wing, that one that makes them particularly heartless, and the righteous indignation felt by many independents and progressives. He was making a calculated move with that headline and that piece. Of course, given his complete lack of character or conviction, that’s not surprising. Obama did the unpopular thing at the time because it was, in his view, the right thing to do. Not only morally but also as policy. It’s why, despite my disagreement with him on many of his decisions, I support him fully.
Obama has convictions and will stand by them even if they’re unpopular. Romney, well, has nothing.
