The Masterpiece of Masterpiece Theater

"I am proud--and I think most Americans are proud--of a mutual defense and assistance program, evolved with bipartisan support in three administrations, which has, with all its recognized problems, contributed to the fact that not one of the nearly fifty U.N. members to gain independence since the Second World War has succumbed to Communist control." - John F. Kennedy, 1963

"If we fail, if we fritter and fumble away our opportunity in needless, senseless quarrels between Democrats and Republicans, or between the House and the Senate, or between the South and North, or between the Congress and the administration, then history will rightfully judge us harshly. But if we succeed, if we can achieve these goals by forging in this country a greater sense of union, then, and only then, can we take full satisfaction in the State of the Union." - Lyndon B. Johnson, 1964

"I would be the last to suggest that the road to peace is not difficult and dangerous, but I believe our new policies have contributed to the prospect that America may have the best chance since World War II to enjoy a generation of uninterrupted peace. And that chance will be enormously increased if we continue to have a relationship between Congress and the Executive in which, despite differences in detail, where the security of America and the peace of mankind are concerned, we act not as Republicans, not as Democrats, but as Americans." - Richard M. Nixon, 1970

"Some people question their Government's ability to make hard decisions and stick with them; they expect Washington politics as usual." - Gerald R. Ford, 1975

"Last year, I proposed to the Congress a major legislative initiative that would direct $2 billion into education and job training programs designed to alleviate youth unemployment through improved linkages between the schools and the work place. This legislation generated bipartisan support; but unfortunately, action on it was not completed in the final, rushed days of the 96th Congress." - James E. Carter, 1981

"We look forward to the enactment of a responsible clean air act to increase jobs while continuing to improve the quality of our air. We're encouraged by the bipartisan initiative of the House and are hopeful of further progress as the Senate continues its deliberations." - Ronald Reagan, 1982

"We rescued the system in 1983, and it's sound again -- bipartisan arrangement. Our budget fully funds today's benefits, and it assures that future benefits will be funded as well. The last thing we need to do is mess around with Social Security." - George H. W. Bush, 1982

"Whatever our differences, we should balance the budget now. And then, for the long-term health of our society, we must agree to a bipartisan process to preserve Social Security and reform Medicare for the long run, so that these fundamental programs will be as strong for our children as they are for our parents." - William Jefferson Clinton, 1997

"Bipartisanship is more than minding our manners; it is doing our duty." - George W. Bush, 2001   (all emphases mine)

All of these words have been spoken by Barack Obama in some form or other.   His quotes can be gathered and printed here, but they would not surprise anyone.

Obama's hopes for bipartisanship and his promise to get rid of "Washington politics as usual", as stated by President Ford in 1975, seem to be too familiar, almost script-like.   However, he's human and the vitriol and blatant apparent lack of cooperation should have bothered him into action by now.   It would have bothered any human being in his position by now.   If this was not theater, he'd have signed universal health care into law with the stroke of a pen and a, "Hey, I asked you guys for help and we only have so much time.   I gotta do what I gotta do."

Isn't it strange that one-half of our political duopoly all act like cowards and the other half all act as if they own the place?   Again, very script-like, no?

If this sounds like just another conspiracy theory, it's not.   There's no way that any lower or middle class American could ever be privy to the ideas expressed by the president and/or to the president in the Oval Office or in any office in any building.  

Ideas may be expressed at some point during the presidential campaign.   Certain "operatives" may remind a candidate of the enormous cost of running for most political offices starting at the state level.   If the candidate appears to have the popular support needed to win the election, he may be congratulated for his "lead" in the polls by corporate lobbyists or even high ranking officers of corporations.   They may promise to help him complete the campaign and put him over the top.  

This may be followed by some very specific caveats, however.   They may go as far as to tell the candidate that they're excited about his certain victory.   Then they can begin to tell him about issues that relate to their specific businesses and how he can show his gratitude by "partnering" with them to solve these issues.   Indeed, they may give him ideas or even specific "roadmaps" for solving their respective problems.

Another possible scenario has corporate money going to the candidate most likely to win without consulting that candidate at all.   However, once elected, those who have passionate corporate interests may begin to request meetings with the president-elect and his staff.   They may remind the incoming administration that it was their money that helped it gain the margin of victory and give suggestions for ways in which that administration can show its gratitude.   The president-elect and, ultimately, the president, may be told that there's more "support" to be gained for any reelection bid.

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