Robert Gibbs frequently advances messages celebrating pragmatism in politics, which implicitly or explicitly roast progressive activism and politics.
This year one of the most searched for words on the Merriam-Webster Dictionary website was "pragmatic." It was number two on the top ten list and the President and Publisher of Merriam-Webster, John M. Morse, suggests, "The popularity of pragmatic is reminiscent of 2005, when integrity was the most frequently looked-up word. In both cases, I think the word described a quality that people value highly, want to understand fully, and are looking for in their leaders."
The Merriam Webster definitions of "pragmatic" are: archaic or busy, officious and opinionated; relating to matters of fact or practical affairs often to the exclusion of intellectual or artistic matters, practical as opposed to idealistic; relating to or being in accordance wit philosophical pragmatism.
An example found in the dictionary is the following, "His pragmatic view of public education comes from years of working in city schools." Thus a "pragmatic" person is suggested to know from experience what should be done and not done.
Since Obama first stepped into the White House, pragmatic or practical has been an adjective used to describe his presidency. An editorial published by The Oklahoman encapsulates how many Americans expected Obama to govern:
Since his election in November, Barack Obama has indicated his presidency will be pragmatic and practical, searching for things that work and eliminating those that don't. His administration will not spend time rehashing the proper size of government, as has been good sport in Washington for nearly three decades.
President Obama repeated the theme during his inaugural address Tuesday, challenging Americans to support his quest for new dialogues, new processes -- yes, new politics -- as the country tackles serious economic problems while standing guard against threats that occupied his predecessor.
It was a sound, if not scintillating, speech -- consistent with the Obama precedent for good speechifying. It properly touched on the country's problems, vowed strong leadership in meeting them and sought to assure Americans that their common destiny remains shapeable by devotion, hard work and good will"
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
