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Obama's Seinfeld Doctrine
Evan Vucci / AP Photo
Remember that Seinfeld episode where George Costanza succeeds by doing the opposite of everything he would normally do? The Daily Beast’s Nicole Wallace thinks Obama and his staff might have watched a rerun recently—and borrowed George’s juvenile tactics in their relentless assault on President Bush. Obama’s strategy? Doing exactly the opposite of what Bush would do—and wait for global adulation. Below, Wallace imagines some deleted scenes from the president’s press conference where he frankly acknowledges the anti-Bush philosophy behind his agenda.
April 19, 2009
Obama’s Summit of the Americas Press Conference
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
12:17 P.M. EDT
CHUCK TODD: A lot of people are going to start trying to write about the "Obama Doctrine." What should people be taking away after observing you on the world stage the last three weeks? What are the pillars of the Obama Doctrine?
Ax goes through the papers every night, and whatever question we face, we do the opposite of what George Bush would have done. Ax knows that our strategic imperative is to hang on to our change brand.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, you know, I will leave it up to you, Chuck, to write the definitive statement on Obamaism. But there are a couple of principles that I've tried to apply across the board: No. 1, that the United States remains the most powerful, wealthiest nation on Earth, but we're only one nation, and that the problems that we confront, whether it's drug cartels, climate change, terrorism, you name it—we can no longer pretend that we aren’t to blame for everything that goes wrong, you know? I mean, as I told the French, we were arrogant, dismissive, and derisive, and as Hillary told the Mexicans, it’s our addiction to drugs that’s causing all the violence on the border. So, unlike the last guy, uh, you know, George Bush, [nervous laughter from the press] yeah, him, well, he kind of pissed everyone off by acting like, “Hey, we’re America—we rule, and if you don’t listen to us, we’re gonna get you. Dead or alive.” Remember that?
[press murmurs in agreement and heads start nodding.]
So, what Ax and I devised, Chuck, is a system—and it replaces those pillars that you asked me about. That’s the old politics—pillars and convictions and principles and ideologies. The voters had a chance to select a man of conviction, and they picked me, so, they’ve already spoken on this question. See, my campaign was about doing away with pillars. Pillars get in the way. They are heavy and unbending, and they can’t be moved quickly or easily. Well, unless they are those awesome pillars that they built for my speech at the Democratic National Convention. Oh man, that was a great night, wasn’t it? It was like the whole world wanted me to win. The skies cleared. The crowd was roaring. The bands were on fire. Ohhhh yeahh . . . I was in the zone that night...
TODD: Mr. President?
PRESIDENT: Sorry, Chuck, where was I?
TODD: I still don’t understand what any of this has to do with the Obama Doctrine.
PRESIDENT: OK so, how can I explain it so all of you reporter types understand it? OK, remember the Seinfeld episode when George Costanza decides to do the opposite of everything he would normally do? First, he changed his lunch order from tuna and toast to chicken salad on rye? Then he started talking to attractive women? Eventually he got a job at the Yankees. Things started working out for him. His “right track” numbers went up, you could say.
So, that’s basically what we do. Ax goes through the papers and the data every night, and whatever question we face, we do the opposite of what George Bush would have done. Ax knows that our strategic imperative is to hang on to our change brand. If we do that successfully, we can get away with the old Democrat antibusiness, tax-and-spend stuff and no one will notice. And, I don’t know about you, but I think the polls speak for themselves. I mean, what’s amazing is that I ran on this whole “break bread with the dictator” thing, remember? And the funny thing is that Hillary thought she could use it against me in the primaries, but now she’s my secretary of State. Ah, life is funny.
TODD: So, uh, can you go over how the Costanza strategy works from practical standpoint, Mr. President?
PRESIDENT: Of course, Chuck. So, usually we have time to plan it out. For those times when I can’t use my TelePrompTer, Ax says, “Barack, just close your eyes for a minute and pretend you are George W. Bush. Think of what he would say. Then open your mouth and say the opposite.” But more often than not, we have ample time to integrate the message and the political operation. Valerie and Desiree always want to talk policy and organizing—snooze and double snooze—so Ax, Gibbie, Rahm and I do our strategy meetings after-hours. Guys only. Take this coming week when we get back to Washington, for example. This will be anti-Bush terrorism policy week, so everything Bush did, we are going to do the opposite. You can’t exactly get the kind of reception I just got in Europe if you are taking the fight to the enemy. So, we have already started reversing all the policies that Bush put in place. You know, we closed Gitmo—I mean, we didn’t actually close it. I’m not sure we ever will, to be honest. I mean if you can’t build a place to store nuclear waste how are you ever going to locate terrorists in American cities?
TODD: I think I understand. How does the Costanza Strategy play out in your meetings with foreign leaders?
PRESIDENT: We have some very specific national interests, starting with safety and security that we have to attend to; but we recognize that other countries have domestic politics to attend to, too, and so, you know, I think it represents positive progress when they say to me: “Barack, we’re so glad you won. We loved your logo. Can one of your staffers send me over a PDF so we can use it for our next campaign?” And I have to nod and accept it when they say: “And you know, we will turn out the crowds like we did in Germany last summer, but we can’t stand with your boys and girls in Afghanistan—too risky. The European publics don’t have the stomach for war.” You know, I have to just grin and bear it. I mean, most Americans will be thrilled to see how much the world likes us again, and Americans need to understand that Europe’s unwillingness to suit up is something that even I can’t do anything about. It’s one thing that's not going to change because I'm popular in Europe.
Another thing, my final point on this question, and then we need to move on. I feel very strongly that when we are at our best, the United States represents a set of universal values and ideals. I mean, I did have to shut down those Fox News tea parties. Those people were total nutcases, and so what if I was more generous to the Castro brothers and my new book club partner Hugo than I was to the thousands of Americans who don’t want to pay higher taxes? I mean those tea party people are fringe, baby, fringe. I have more in common with the Europeans, frankly, than those people. Thank you for your great questions, Chuck. I reminded myself of my law professor days.
Nicolle Wallace served as a senior adviser to the McCain-Palin campaign from May to November 2008. She served President George W. Bush as an assistant to the president and director of communications for the White House, as well as communications director for President Bush's 2004 campaign.
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Nicolle Wallace served as a senior adviser to the McCain-Palin campaign from May to November 2008. She served President George W. Bush as an assistant to the president and director of communications for the White House, as well as communications director for President Bush's 2004 campaign.
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Nicolle Wallace served as a senior adviser to the McCain-Palin campaign from May to November 2008. She served President George W. Bush as an assistant to the president and director of communications for the White House, as well as communications director for President Bush's 2004 campaign.
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Nicolle Wallace served as a senior adviser to the McCain-Palin campaign from May to November 2008. She served President George W. Bush as an assistant to the president and director of communications for the White House, as well as communications director for President Bush's 2004 campaign.
spartacus275
This is dribble from a person who still hasn't gotten over McCain's lost. Get over it mw things are getting better.
JohnTheLibertarian
It's not a tingle you feel running down your leg, it's urine. Liberals know Obama is worse than Jimmy Carter and we're on the brink of a new Reagan revolution.
Have a nice day.
redayotte
I don't understand the Bush love....He lied to the public, tortured, opened our financally district to corruption, Made us look like bullys to the rest of the world, halted science and enviromental progress and basically made us bigger targets to our enemys.So if the only thing Obama did was do the opposite of Bush we would be much better off. Was this article suppose to be a dig???
VenusMuse
Bush didn't lie to anybody. All politicans don't reveal everything they know.. hence why they used to call the CIA "secret service." Now Obama essentially has ordered these soliders killed by revealing the memos and photos. What a joke of a president!
tonibab1
Nicole Wallace spews garbage when ever her mouth is opened. She causes nausea.
Shazzbot
"Obama's strategy? Doing exactly the opposite of what Bush would do-and wait for global adulation."
Not just 'global' adulation, with Obama's high approval ratings in America, he's also winning adulation at home.
Isn't it funny, how doing 'exactly the opposite of what Bush would do', Obama appears to be doing exactly what EVERYONE wants. Nicole, you really don't have a leg to stand on here. Keep your fevered imaginings to yourself and your Teabagging friends.
VenusMuse
Actually Obama's approval ratings are lower than the previous 3 presidents at this time. Might want to check the stats.
DeaconDrJones
If the last assholes hadn't set fire to the roof before they bailed out, maybe we wouldn't be in such dire straits.
allonfla
meanwhile, he is the only one amongst the previous three where people felt the country is going in the right direction. others remained flat.
randy103
Actually Venus the only President since Nixon who had a hrier approval rating at this time in office was Regan ar 68% compared to 65% for Obama. that put hime hirer than Carter, Ford, Big Bush, Clinton and little Bush. So how do your figure.
Ritarita
Venus-
It's always
The same old post.
Everytime the same post.
Show some mercy
Stop beating that
Dead horse and
Come up with
Something
New.
Please.
Banjo1
A hundred or so days into his administration and people who didn't bother to read history believe his high poll numbers are evidence of success and predictors of more of the same. Obama's plate is filling with problems that won't go away when he makes an adroit speech and flashes that winning smile. For all of our sakes, I hope he is one of those lucky presidents who can dodge the bullets a cold and hostile world will fire at him and us. But if the problems prove too great, those numbers will drop like a balloon losing air. This is called realism, something the young and the left have litle experience with. Experience is the the best teacher, but the lessons are hard.
Munodi
Alas Banjo, our resident racist/bigot, the reality is you still can't get over the fact that the VAST majority of Americans voted the Confederate party out of EXISTANCE and all that is left for radicals is to cry in cup. Enjoy the vintage, looks like it's going to be a very long 4 years for you and yours.
JohnTheLibertarian
Yep, but only 4 years. Then watch individualists seize the country back from you obsolete statists with a vengeance. Better get all of your socialist stuff done as quickly as you can, the times they are a changin'.
gustav
That's all you got? Geez, lame and so last century.
lx-Isaac
If you failed your exams and I choose to answer every question differently from you. Thats somehow a notch against me?
pauldeman
Nicolle,
Being critical of ur old boss GWB is not Bush bashing. Bashing is what u continue to do on the DB. That u continue to ignore the general consensus (both here and abraod) on the Bush years is not surprising or particular disturbing since Cheney set the tone years earlier when asked about public opinion toward the Iraq War: "So What." U may pine nostalgically about the good old days of Cheney and Bush but thankfully an overwhelming number of Americans and the world at large disagree with u.
That u choose to align urself with sycophants kneeling at the alter of Rush is ur own business, and in the eyes of most neutral observers, ur sophomoric jabs and predictable ad hominem attacks are banal yawners that speak more to ur pallid political acumen than the Obama administration.
When I want to hear a constructive GOP critique of POTUS, I turn to statesmen from the Bush 41 administration, men like Baker, Powell and Scowcroft. When I want a credible voice different than my own, I turn to Rollins, Brooks, and Gergen. These people have all been critical but they have not been afraid to praise. They recognize the distinction between nation and party.
If u want to be taken seriously by people outside the axis of Palin, Fox, and WSJ, take a lesson from Schmidt rather than Newt. The GOP is in need of fundamental changes and Obama is far more an heir to RFK than any bogyman drummed up by a party with leaders that celebrates the denial of climate change, evolution, waterboarding= torture, Obama's citizenship, and in some alternative universe, that Nixon met with Mao.
beckydiak
Yay!!! I was going to reply but you said everything I wanted to, and better.
pauldeman
Correction: Meant to say that in an alternative universe where Nixon DID NOT meet with Mao (Billo's claim).
pkali77
Very nice. You should write for the DB and save us the trouble of reading these types of articles.
VenusMuse
Great article Michelle! I wish you had time to contribute more insightful articles.
Ritarita
It's Nicolle
Venus
Not Michelle.
Going Freudian?
mathed
Excellent points. Can't the DB get one of these thoughtful conservative writers rather than this hack whose imagination of what goes on in an effective political leader's mind is limited to sitcom banter. DB - you can do better!
VenusMuse
Bush bashing is unpresidential. What Obama doesn't want you to know, is exactly what is going on now w him and his admin. Can this guy even lead?
Talk about Bush Bashing - Obama Mashing is next. NBC and GE are the next Watergate as they have breached journalism, "don't be too critical of Obama."
southernyankee
VenusMuse
You gettin your talkin points from O'Liar. You better try again.
allonfla
seriously? i didn't think people were so dumb to believe o'reilly on that
jds8181
It must be so easy for people like you to not be burdened by the need to think for one's self. NBC/GE=Watergate. The former is a large corporation which operates to enrich its shareholders, the latter a national embarrassment caused by a paranoid Republican. So many similarities.
Stop watching O'Reilly. You can ill afford the inevitable drop in IQ that results.
jds8181
If anyone has any questions as to how a black, first-term Senator beat out a war hero who's been serving in the Senate for decades, I give you...Nicole Wallace.
I'd like to know what "principles" she thinks were so inspiring about Bush? Not listening to facts, and choosing instead to shoot from the hip? Man, I miss those days.
I pray the next Republican candidate for President seeks out the highly effective Nicole Wallace to help run their campaign into the ground just like she helped to do with McCain's.
VenusMuse
No, AX hoodwinked the media - if you recall, GE owns NBC and the media elected Obama. They didn't want to reveal any negative realities about him, his Rev Wright adulations, etc.
And equally, it was the media that slammed Palin and McCain. And the lies??? They were so deseparate they didn't even bother to vet BOGUS media releases and stories. It's to their detriment however, with Obama's exciting tax hikes for EVERYBODY, the media will pay.
The bias media will pay.
DeaconDrJones
That is such a steaming pile of nonsense. But thank you for clarifying how empty your opinions are, if all your other posts hadn't already done so.
Munodi
So by your thinking the media is all powerful and controls the people. I think you just admitted that you are little more then a ditto head who marches in lock step with Fox/Faux News and your dear leader Rush.
altlic
Dear VenusMuse,
I think it's great that you are speaking your mind. But you really should try to expose your mind to some different points of view. I know you wanted the other guys to win, but try to remember, it's a bit more complicated than following your favorite sports team. Keep up the good work.
mbstrong
Well said, jds8181.
Honestly, I don't think this article merits any type of educated response and I have never called anyone names on a blog, but I can't help it - Nicolle Wallace is an asshole! I'm guessing TDB feels pity for her because she can't get a job.
jong345
Wow this was unbelieeeevably pathetic. Literally putting words into someone's mouth proves absolutely nothing. What a masterbatory, self-serving piece of FICTION from someone who's done nothing but ally herself with the most terrible leaders and campaigners.
Really sad and I might have to write a fiction about Nicole Wallace trying every which way possible to save her career but just looking like a negative, mudslinging political hack.
scottiex2
Sorry Nicole. Your Obama bashing merely reflects your own limitations.
JohnTheLibertarian
Socialists, the national socialist party, fascists, dictators, totalitarians, American liberalism -- all noteworthy statists. You want the state to have greater influence in our lives. The opposite of this is individualism. Individual freedom, individual responsibility.
voteforgoat
Individual freedom and responsibility does not pave roads, create affordable schools or protect our borders. This is where Libertatians are at loss. Libertarians makes some good points, and I agree with some things they say, but it's a stunted, selfish philosophy in many ways.
snakesonablog
I agree it is unbelievably pathetic. But this is what passes for political "debate" among Fox viewing mouthbreathers. The days of Goldwater's GOP are long gone!
kysersose1982
"Obama's strategy? Doing exactly the opposite of what Bush would do-and wait for global adulation."
Not just 'global' adulation, with Obama's high approval ratings in America, he's also winning adulation at home.
Isn't it funny, how doing 'exactly the opposite of what Bush would do', Obama appears to be doing exactly what EVERYONE wants. Nicole, you really don't have a leg to stand on here. Keep your fevered imaginings to yourself and your Teabagging friends.
pkali77
Gov. Rendell is right, you guys have completely lost it. This is so childish. All I hear from republicans is "can you imagine if a republican had done that", or "when we get attacked, and the economy collapses and Jesus comes back in a blaze of glory, then Obama will start to lose his poll numbers". I know you just lost an election but jeez. Nobody likes a whinner, nobody likes empty threats, nobody likes a sore loser. Figure out what is wrong with your brand of the party, come up with ideas that will move this country forward, come up with new and exciting candidates and you will win elections. If you cant do that then get out of the way and someone else will fill that role.
JohnTheLibertarian
Then why did you folks whine so much when Bush was in office? "Oh gawd, he stole the election!"
xbainx
Libertarian isn't a political leaning. It just means you want to live in "Mad Max" style wasteland with no restrictions. So did I when I was twelve.
deltablue
I must admit, I like reading your posts. It's confirms that America still has a lot of young privileged nut jobs out there.
You clearly show what an hypocrite you are. You are a pretender. You come forward in a stance, talking about things you do not understand. Bush and his people are on TV saying " America does not torture" but the facts show the contrary.
Have you ever thought that many people gave their lives because America was the Standard bearer of what the world should be?
You made your lame case to the American people and they rejected it. And they still do. You like talking about polls. What are they today? At least your colleague Schmidt is starting to make some sense. Total repudiation of the evil you represent. Sadly racists like you never find peace in their fight against the Holly Spirit that created all things. They know there is nothing left for them and they want to take as many people as they can in destruction. I do not see anything you wrote or say that was to advantage of the American people.
You are so screwed up that you even lied about Palin.
Oh well, you are still a reminder of how low we can all fall.
Deltablue
Politically neutral. Not Independent. Sworn enemy of bigots and extremists.
southernyankee
Who you gotta believe the facts their lyin eyes?
ajsd76
I do understand that DB is a democratic entity - that each and everyone can, and should be heard - but what I don't understand is why after witnessing the level of intellectual discourse on a downward spiral in this past election, DB facilitates its propagation. For a serious reader, and a thinking one at that, liberal or conservative, Nicole Wallace offers absolutely nothing - just like Limbaugh or Glenn Beck. What did she really say in this article? Did she submit this to DB patting her back that she has created something worthwhile? And what's with this George Constanza thing running wild everywhere - and I guess she must have read it somewhere. To suggest, or even remotely imply that Obama takes cues from GWB's dismal performance in his actions is ridiculous at least, and misguidedly dangerous at worse. PLEASE!!!!
I have said it somewhere here in DB and I would say it again. Obama doesn't need to do different from GWB to prove that he is smart, articulate or thoughtful about what constitutes a great nation, he just knows that to be president you needed a brain, and you have to use it. He knows that he is the most powerful man on earth, yet that power means nothing if he misuses it. He knows that Nicole Wallace is just NOISE - just like many do here at DB. Please stop hurting our intellectual conversations. DB, reassess this choice of writer. PLEASE.
texdem
Thank God someone said it. I can't wait to get a moderate republican, or a real republican, who doesn't use the word Reagan as mega-Christians use the word Jesus. They understand the weight of the word, but not the real meaning of it.
I am looking for intellect so we can learn. And Wallace trying to save the reputation of Cheney, et al, is embarrassing and crass.
RealGenius
Hey Nicole, why don't you just interview Barack in person. He'll give you a better perspective.
southernyankee
Na, she is bitter and cling to her guns and bible.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
ajsd76
my sentiments exactly - it is not so much Nicole Wallace as is the DB that bothers me. Let's have an honest intellectually conceived conversation/debate on issues. The DB shouldn't be a theater class of sort where you fictionalize issues, mix them with your overly regurgitated talking points [and how I hate using the term 'talking points'] and then think that you have made a contribution to civilization. I think DB is a great concept, but dumbing it down with the likes of Nicole Wallace doesn't help so much. And i .don't mean to disparage her or anything, but she is disturbingly vacuous.
altlic
Spot on! Are you listening, DB?
LauraNo
Republicans had 8 years to accomplish something and they did nothing but cause disasters in every area of national interest. They don't have the sense to scamper away with tails between their legs - when you're whole ideology is based on misrepresentations, it's hard to see reality - until the rest of us start to forgive/ forget.
After a lifetime of listening to both sides in order to form an opinion, I have learned the conservatives are a waste of time and not worth listening to. Maybe the next generation will have something of value to say...
southernyankee
Ditto
voteforgoat
Why did McCain ever hire Wallace? He could have done so much better.
Thank you.
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