Tom Hayden on Obama

By GottaLaff

Thom Hartmann talks to Tom Hayden , former California state senator, among other things [some paraphrased]:

Hayden: Barack Obama is a "movement", able to eventually accomplish a lot (as movements have in the past, making things like Progressive Radio possible) ... until this last week. Now he's falling into the Republican trap, their making him into a flip-flopper, rather than a centrist.

He's always presented himself as a centrist, but he has to fight off this flip-flop label quickly or his opponents can add in any lie they want to that.

Thom: There is a lot of destructive politicizing with regard to the Republicans setting up Obama. How do we keep the movement strong, so it can change Obama's presidency, and the Senate and House, in a more Progressive way, vs. a firing squad strategy?

Hayden: Both parties do that, the firing squad... It's too late for a deep remedy. It's already underway. I'd say that in between sitting this out (not caring if Obama loses) and worshiping him, there's plenty of space. There are civil liberties groups, issues groups, that are aware that it makes a difference who's president... And there will be disappointments, and they have to fight to achieve what they want. I wouldn't listen to those who scream loudest... Do they plan to help Obama? Will they vote? They have to do more.

Thom: Voting isn't enough, we have to get active.

Hayden: The party can be influenced from within and without. FISA: The bloggers did a good job of getting into the Obama structure. [got 2 phone calls, sorry, I missed some] It's hard, if your powerless, to imagine running for president and faced with getting out of Iraq and ruining your image forever, but that's what politicians worry about. We have to come up with enough pressure to compel Obama to do what he knows he needs to do. It wasn't easy with past presidents... it takes personal power AND people in the streets.

Thom: The blogs are the new streets.

Hayden: And the precincts... people knocking on doors, etc. We count on them.

Thom: And need to support and encourage.