courtesy of Los Angeles Times

Nicholas Goldberg, editor of the “LA Times” editorial section, moderated the panel featuring Eric Alterman, Katrina vanden Heuvel and Garrett M. Graft. Previously announced guests Jonathan Alter and Steve Clemons had to cancel last minute, presumably due to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

In the intellectual, hour-long panel, the group had many differing views on critical issues in President’s Obama’s first two years. Below is a taste of just some of the hot issues addressed.

2012

When the topic of reelection came up, Graft had little doubt President Obama would win once again. “Obama has a relatively easy reelection… He has tons of money.” Alterman wasn’t so certain. “I’m not so sure Obama is going to get reelected,” Alterman warned. Unemployment levels are still high and young people are not going to run back to the polls after feeling disappointed. Alterman believes the Republicans are setting up Mitch Daniels for the Republican’s Presidential nomination.

Libya

Graft called the battle in Libya, “the most dangerous war we have ever been involved in.” Regardless of whether or not United States troops are on the ground, the amount of consequences that can come from the war are large. Heuvel agreed that there was a clear danger in Libya. However, what most upset Heuvel was that entering Libya violated the United Nations resolutions. Alterman simply wished the President went to Congress before making such a huge decision.

President Obama’s Biggest Mistakes

At the beginning of his term, Obama had the support of his base and even “Obamacrats.” Along the way, however, some critical mistakes have been made according to the panelists. Heuvel believes Obama “demobilized those who supported him.” After not meeting voters needs, they have either moved on or are not as confident in his role. Alterman wished Obama would have realized sooner that the Republicans don’t want to help him and his party. Obama’s belief of “Why can’t we be friends, Why can’t we all get along stuff, We can’t,” according to Alterman. In addition, with little hesitation, Alterman proclaimed, “Obama blew it in the Middle East.” Graft summed it up best. “Obama realized governing is much harder than talking about governing.”

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