Obama’s Rules of Order: As noted in an update to an earlier thread, Gabe has been keeping track of “rules” Obama keeps setting down in order to secure a rhetorical advantage for himself:
1. Democrats get more time because “I’m the President.”
2. Republicans may not criticise my bill. They can only talk about things on which we agree.
3. Republicans may not use the word “Washington” because it tips the scales.
4. Republicans may not use or reference an actual copy of the Senate bill. That’s a “prop” and it’s unfair.
And add to that 5:
5. We’re not in “campaign mode anymore,” by which he means McCain cannot mention his dirty dealings.
On the other hand, Democrats are allowed to introduce props — some guy just showed a three-page Blue Cross pre-existing-condition-exclusion list — and of course can use their favorite rhetorical tactic of telling a story of, say, Sally Mae Hirshberg, a spry, elfin great-grandmother, 104 years young, recently forced to eat cat food because her health care provider refused to cover her for the 60 cubic centimeter breast implants she so desperately needed.
