Barack Obama's First Real Political Test Looms

Published Mar 05 2009, 08:07 AM by Steven Stark

The president's first real political test now looms -- with the impending collapse of GM reported this morning. Up until now -- though some of the president's moves have hardly received unanimous support -- they have been warmly greeted within his own party and by most independents.

That won't be the case in his dealings with the auto industry. A majority of Americans don't favor a bailout, though unsurprisingly, the residents of Michigan (a blue state) do. More important, his constituency is split on the issue. The working class part of his constituency is likely to favor blue collar bailouts since the banks got them. The more upper class part of his constituency won't. Joel Kotkin warned recently of a coming civil war between the party's gentry and populist wings. This is where it likely begins.

Here We Go Again -- Two More Administration "Appointees" Withdraw

How to Save Your Local Paper Follow Up: Charging for Online Content

Follow the Phoenix

All Blogs

Phlog (1,514)
Talking Politics (1,600)
On The Download (2,245)
Laser Orgy (85)
Dont Quote Me (561)
Outside The Frame (326)

more by Steven Stark

Has Obama peaked? Yes, he has | November 13, 2009

Men + money = mess | May 15, 2009

Arlen the Family | May 08, 2009

Spare Change? | May 01, 2009

Courthouse marriage | April 24, 2009

See all articles by: Steven Stark

Latest Comments

Charlie Baker: More Neanderthal-Conservative Than Romney? - "But reasonable people, particularly those in public political life, do not question the scientific...

By Fake Name on 02-09-2010 in Talking Politics

More Bad Signs For GOP Women - The NRCC has got to get a clue! This is exactly why the GOP constantly loses the female vote among independents...

By Leah Wright on 02-09-2010 in Talking Politics

The Kells in Allston is closing - Thank God. A Tavern in the Square, though? Christ.

By Z on 02-09-2010 in Phlog

Thugs and goons: Howie Carr explains--updated! - Carr got it from the comments omg. Who's less credible carr, barnicle or beck? Remember when journalists...

By neil on 02-09-2010 in Dont Quote Me

Q&A #10 -- Mighty Malone? - Joe Malone is a solid character who connects with the average citizen. No one ever accused him of any...

By smallfish on 02-09-2010 in Talking Politics

Latest Comments from Stark Ravings

Barack Obama's First Real Political Test Looms

Leave a Comment