This might be a wise political calculation on Obama’s part. But it is a cruel thing to ask of his coalition. [...] Pro-choice women and gays were a significant part of Obama’s coalition, and they’re being forced to accept that the candidate they worked for will use the election they won to elevate a powerful religious leader who works often and publicly against their interests. For them, the day will be darkened.
Absolutely right. However, I respectfully disagree with Ezra on another point when writes that the Obama coalition is being forced to carry all of the sacrifice — the total burden of tolerating and digesting this decision. From what I’ve read, some of the far-right and Warren’s evangelical coalition are almost as angry about this thing as most of us are.
Then again, sure. We won. We’re really not obligated to satisfy the Warren base and they’re welcome stand in the freezing mud on the Mall if they want to be a part of the inaugural. But going back to what I wrote earlier — their dissatisfaction is evidence that the Warren invitation has succeeded in pleasing nobody. Again, in this case the middle way is no way at all. I mean, is anyone other than the president-elect excited about this thing?
