Hey, I wanna like the guy too

In his first press conference as president elect, Obama was asked a straightforward question: Can the wealthy expect to pay higher taxes in ’09? The questioner was in effect asking if Obama intends to make good on one of his campaign promises.

Obama’s answer: “My tax plan represents a net tax cut for lower income… etc.” He went on about his tax plan but did not mention the wealthy nor how they’d be taxed. Click here and slide the button over to 17:38.

He’s a good speaker, isn’t he? Be nice if he answered the question though, wouldn’t it?

Possible subtext: He does not plan to fulfill his promise to raise taxes on the wealthy. (I’ve tried to think of another reason he would evade the question, but came up empty. Keep in mind that he’s already been elected. No need to try to please rich voters, or any voters.)

More possible subtext: His evasion of a simple question means Obama is a typical politician, unlikely to affect real change. That many people perceive him as special, as some sort of politico messiahmakes for a dangerous situation in these dangerous times.

Most people do not have the time to properly keep abreast of what’s really going on in world affairs (the bastids count on this), and the mainstream media has no intention of informing you. I’ll do my best to be your watchdog in these dangerous times.