PrintApril 2, 2010
Partisan Blood Sport
While running for president, one central campaign promise Barack Obama focused on was the eradication of the type of political vitriol rampant within two-party systems. Candidate Obama vowed to singlehandedly rid the nation of the spirit of discord. When newly elected, the president's victory speech elevated the rhetoric above partisanship and condemned the type of separation responsible for "crippl[ing] Washington and turn[ing] national politics into a blood sport." Obama appeared intent on bringing the nation together, saying, "In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned our politics for so long." Disguised as a herald of unanimity, one year later, the president has emerged as an extreme partisan guilty of the type of combative political activity he originally condemned. Ascending to power, Barack Obama espoused ardent desire for...(Read Full Article)
