2014 Democrat Agenda: Ignore Republicans, Cater To Liberal Base

“…And When You Come To The Capitol, Turn Left”

• Tonight, President Obama and Washington Democrats will make clear their agenda for 2014: ignore Republicans and cater to their liberal base.

• While this strategy may enjoy the approval of Nancy Pelosi and Washington special interests, it spells disaster for the party in November.

• President Obama’s new strategy tethers Democrats to a president that is increasingly liberal, unpopular, and isolated.

• President Obama and Washington Democrats are trying desperately to hide the fact that on issues ranging from jobs to debt they’re simply out of ideas. They are now reduced to placating the fringe elements of their party to have any hope of winning back the House.

The Hill: “Obama’s State Of The Union Address: Banging Base Drum” (Niall Stanage and Amie Parnes,” “Obama’s State Of The Union Address: Banging Base Drum,” The Hill, 1/27/14)

Obama’s Speech “Will Contain The Most Liberal Promises And Activist Rhetoric Of His Presidency.” “When President Obama steps to the podium in front of the Speaker’s chair Tuesday night, the speech he delivers will contain the most liberal promises and activist rhetoric of his presidency, progressives hope and Republicans worry… They do not want to hear him seeking compromise ahead of midterm elections that are likely to be decided on turnout. November will hinge on which side best fires up its base. So progressives want Obama to beat the base drum. There is no louder stage than the State of the Union.” (Niall Stanage and Amie Parnes,” “Obama’s State Of The Union Address: Banging Base Drum,” The Hill, 1/27/14)

Adam Green, Founder Of The Progressive Change Committee: “Obama Holds The Fate Of Many House…Elections In His Hands.” “I think President Obama holds the fate of many House and Senate elections in his hands with this State of the Union,” Green said.” (Niall Stanage and Amie Parnes,” “Obama’s State Of The Union Address: Banging Base Drum,” The Hill, 1/27/14)

President Obama’s Speech Will Be “The Opening Salvo In The Yearlong Fight For Control Of Congress.” “There’s only so much that President Barack Obama can do to help his party this year … But the president can set the tone — and in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Obama will deliver the opening salvo in a yearlong fight for control of Congress. Although not explicitly political, the speech before millions will frame an economic argument that Democrats hope will resonate with voters in races across the country.” (Josh Lederman,” “In Speech, Obama To Help Dems Frame 2014 Arguments,” Associated Press, 1/27/14)

Obama To Push A “Unilateral Agenda” Tuesday Night. “Mr. Obama will emphasize his intention to use unilateral presidential authority—bypassing Congress when necessary—to an extent not seen in his previous State of the Union speeches, White House officials said.” (Carol E. Lee and Damian Paletta, “Obama To Assert Unilateral Agenda,” The Wall Street Journal, 1/26/14)