I can believe he changed!

Dr. Quentin Young (Martin Luther King's doctor and a Chicago buddy of Barack Obama's) describes the expedient evolution of Obama's views on health care:

DR. QUENTIN YOUNG: Well, Barack Obama, as we know, was a community organizer, a very lofty calling, in my book, and he made the decision, when the opportunity came, that he could get more done politically, and he accepted the nomination for the seat in the State Senate. It’s not that long ago, really. It’s about a six, eight years ago.

Barack Obama, in those early days—influenced, I hope, by me and others—categorically said single payer was the best way, and he would inaugurate it if he could get the support, meaning majorities in both houses, which he’s got, and the presidency, which he’s got. And he said that on more than one occasion, and it represented the very high-grade intelligence we all know Barack has.

However, as his political fortunes went upward, including the campaign for presidency, the nomination and, finally, the election, he qualified his position from saying it’s the best system, but that given the past American history with employment-based healthcare, he would have a plan that—and he has put one forward—that encompasses other incremental approaches.

Just another illustration of the fact that Barack Obama is very good at getting Barack Obama elected to higher and higher public offices, but unconcerned about remaining faithful to the principles that were supposedly his reason to do so.

Comments

[Donald Johnson]

" Well, it’s one of the few times when Barack has been dishonest." That's Quentin Young later in the interview. I think he must not pay close attention to, say, Middle East politics.

Anyway, this is an interesting glimpse into what happens to a politician who is willing to do what it takes to rise to the Presidency.

[John Caruso]

Yes, Obama is living proof that this movie is more like a primer than fiction.

[NomadUK]

I've been meaning to watch that film for years; I just bumped it up my queue.

If you really want to get depressed about politics, try the House of Cards trilogy, with Ian Richardson. It really doesn't get better than that.