In spite of the fact the State of the Union address on Wednesday appeared to underscore to many political pundits, Republicans, and Barack Obama critics (and foes) that the President fell short - his rallying team insisted in an e-mail communication to me this evening that undoubtedly the universe was unfolding as it should (as my own Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau once eloquently noted in an hour of defeat).
Why?
After the speech (in which the President laid out his priorities for jump-starting job creation, fighting to restore economic security to American families, and changing the way business is done in Washington) he met with Republicans at their retreat and answered questions directly for about sixty minutes.
In his down-to-earth communication to me - David Axelrod (one of Obama's Senior Advisors) - noted that the pow-wow was an honest and unscripted discussion where the President took questions and concerns seriously, acknowledged where his opponents made valid points, and explained genuinely where he felt they were wrong.
In the final analysis, Axelrod excitedly concluded that this event - which was triggered with little fanfare at the offset with no ulterior motive - was something few Americans thought conceivable in American politics.
"It was a real discussion with honest disagreements about the challenges Americans and their leaders face," he asserted in so many words.
Citizens who would like to catch the"historic" event - which was recorded on video for posterity - are invited to surf over to http://www.whitehouse.gov/ where the footage is currently online for viewing.
"The President talked about how politicians of both parties need to work together to bring change to Washington. But changing our politics is not just about Washington. It’s about every American citizen, knowing that government is listening and that you can hold your government accountable," Axelrod's army of suits sincerely stressed.In an interesting twist (a sign of the times?) Axelrod also announced that the White Houe has partnered with YouTube to give Americans the opportunity to ask questions of the President.
Citizens are invited to "ask whatever you want" or just vote on other questions that fellow citizens have submitted.
The President will answer some of the queries in a unique event on Monday @ http://www.whitehouse.gov/
In conclusion, Barack Obama's staff noted that if changing politics were easy, it would have been done a long time ago.
"I hope we can all join the President in helping make that change happen."
YouTube Instructions
Watch the video of President Obama with House Republicans, then submit your own question, or just vote on the questions that you'd like to see him answer on Monday.
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