IMO that our good president can keep his cool and continue to think clearly in this atmosphere is much much more than admirable. I hope he remembers the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr who found himself under similar kinds of criticism:

"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it."

Are you suggesting that healthcare reform is the cause of the so-called "Obama rage"? More spin. Deb? Your percentages seem to originate from Rassmussen Reports at:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/september_2009/health_care_reform

If you want to come to your own conclusions about what those percentages mean, check out the actual questions that were asked. Notice that the questions focus on Democrats and "the plan," which does not yet exist as a single entity (variations and opposing plans are still being discussed), rather than healthcare reform in general.

A more nuanced, less subjective report on the state of opinion on healthcare reform may be found at the link below, where Gallop concludes only that: "Many Americans doubt costs, benefits of healthcare reform; most center on how to pay for plan or hold down costs." 

http://www.gallup.com/poll/122969/Many-Americans-Doubt-Costs-Benefits-Healthcare-Reform.aspx

deber B, you wrote on 9/17/2009 at 8:14 am: "yes, I know [Fox was] caught lying but I have to compare that to Richard Nixon’s Watergate….because I believe most presidents do things they do not want known….and Richard Nixon got caught. Most did not." 

(lol) That’s a perfect example of a "spin" on two disparate facts—that Fox lies and that Nixon lied to cover his unlawful activity. Hate to break it to you, but most presidents are NOT crooks like Nixon. And a lie from a purported member of the Fourth Estate is called propaganda. Spare me the disingenuous parsing. Spin it is. Sad indeed.

Thank you, Margo, for posting the truth as you see it. I happen to agree with you. As soon as I heard the phrase "a post-racial America," I knew we were in for it. Though I had no idea it would look like this. I’m continually stunned by the overtly Orwellian strategies of the conservative leadership. And by their followers who continue to brazenly insist it is night when the sun is still high in the sky. What exactly do they think will come of this? It won’t just be a "failed presidency," which is purported to be their goal. There’s a monster at the center of the labyrinthe of illogic and hate that they have created, and I’m afraid they may have loosed it on us all. 

No one seems to remember that hate begets hate. Or better said: "hatred bounces"  ~e.e. cummings

Your paragraph #1:  It has also been reported that Republicans have been invited, but are firm in their stance that it’s their way or no way and that compromise is NOT something they will entertain. So, if I invite you to my house, and you say yes but you rather meet at your house, and then you refuse to speak to me to figure out where there’s a place to meet that is mutually beneficial to us both — it is my fault that we don’t meet?

Your paragraph #2: I’ve tried to tell you what I believe to be true, and that is the Dems don’t want "cover" or even the "credit," what they want instead is a change for the better for ALL and that takes the work of everyone from BOTH sides of the aisle. It’s called a willingness to compromise. I understand that is difficult for you to believe, especially since the conservative leadership, whom many trust, has launched its assault on comity, but, as I understand it, it is where most liberals are coming from. 

Good news from the paper that outed Richard Nixon! Seems like those who will stand between a patient and his or her doctor will be the patient’s employer. That should work very well, don’t you think? This from the Washington Post, Sept 16:

" … Rather than letting the trends go unchecked, employers will probably adopt a variety of cost-saving measures, said Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health, an alliance of corporations. Those steps could include giving employees financial incentives to participate in weight-loss programs, order prescription drugs by mail and undergo health assessments, she said. In addition, before workers pursue costly procedures such as back surgery, they could be required to receive briefings that explain the potential downside of the treatment, Darling said. …"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/15/AR2009091501175.html?nav=hcmodule

Kanye West on Jay Leno. I found it rather touching and hope he will indeed take the time out to think some… Celebrity certainly does have its moments:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjOR9lhfhBg