quote unquote: What does the President stand for?

This has been a fairly transactional presidency, and the president did nothing to insulate himself from the compromises - which were inevitable - by making it clear at the outset what his values were on some of these important issues. While being transactional may help you get through the days in Washington and get things on the scoreboard, it creates a weird disconnect that most people in the country don't know what you want and don't feel they should rally to your side. -- Rep. Anthony Weiner D-N.Y.

The rest of the story: Under Obama, the Left feels left out (Politico 2009-12-19)