Obama Has Said, "Keep your friends close and...

Yeah, I first heard this phrase back in the '80's, forgive me for forgetting the context, BUT, I never forgot it...Unfortunately, I really never lived by it, or really had to. But, when I first heard it again being used by then candidate Barack Obama during the 2008 Presidential campaign, I thought, OK, I probably missed something here. Which I did, I treated everybody as a friend (OK, I made exceptions for people I didn't like), but then again, I wasn't running for anything!

But, I can't help think how well then candidate, Barack Obama, used the concept,Â "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," masterfully, at that. Obama's appointment of Hillary Clinton as Sec'y. of State, Geitner's appointment to Sec'y of the Treasury, Bernanke, there's a few more. But, the point of my post, is that Obama pretty much knew his election back in 2008 wasn't totally welcomed among the establishment...and, he had to send a message back letting them know that!

President Obama:Â Keep Your Friends Close And Your EnemiesCloser

Would We REALLY Be Better Off WithoutÂ Bernanke? - The Slant

Reflections on the sayingÂ keep your friends close

Comments: 5

Pamela Marks Nov 4, 2012, 8:20am UTC

My mother's family always said this and I have even been known to say this.

reply to this comment

Peter Joseph Swanson Nov 4, 2012, 9:28am UTC

I first heard that in The Godfather movie. It's good advice, how can you know what your enemies are up to at all if you have no access to them?

reply to this comment

jay o Nov 4, 2012, 9:37am UTC

I think he should have kept Bernanke closer to the unemployment line. Hillary was a sharp appointment. Total Godfather.

I should watch that trilogy again. Wonderful movies.

reply to this comment

Yoshi k. Nov 4, 2012, 1:16pm UTC

This is a centuries old philosophy and wisdom well understood and practiced in the orient as in most eastern cultures.

reply to this comment

Rosa j. Nov 4, 2012, 8:16pm UTC

Well, August lady a snake is a snake is a snake, even when it is brought in out of the cold. I am reminded of the story of the person who picked up a freezing snake. The man tucked the snake inside his warm jacket in order to keep the animal warm. As soon as the snake became warm and comfortable, the snake bit the man. Then, the man said to the snake:"But, I picked you up out of the cold, and kept you warm". The snake replied, "Yes, but I am still a snake." One of my high school teachers told me that years ago, never forgot:)

reply to this comment

Obama Has Said, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer"~He Was Absolutely Right!

4 people recommend this post

Comments: 5

Join the Conversation