that it is a duty and a necessity to rip the President for all you're worth.

No one here is saying just follow the Pres. because he is Pres. They are at least citing some substance to defend his position. Or in my case most of the time, simply calling out bad logic.

The President did fail to get a public option. He admitted he should have been on it more, but he backed off because of the example under Clinton. He leaned too far the other way, and admitted it.

Campaigning, he did not appreciate the Senate he would wind up with. He is relatively young and in fact inexperienced (one term in the Senate, and that not complete). But he had other good qualities and IMO it is not enabling to think he is a good President and will improve with experience. I voted for him because of his brains and his slightly idealistic view of the rule of law (which contrasted with Bush) that led to his letting Congress function here. He doesn't believe in strong arm tactics but in letting the system work. He loves the system (the three branches). Very often, he goes on about how great this country and its ideals are.