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| My Obama shrine of framed Time magazine covers in the kitchen |
If I had my way, President Barack Obama would be president forever. But you can not deny that since he has taken office, the world of politics has become utterly dysfunctional. Until Obama is out of the White House, this country will never operate by the old standard of normal.
For the most part, it is not Obama’s policies that is the problem as it is the Obama presence in that ultimate position of power that is causing all the ruckus.
The perfect example was delivered in a skit on Saturday Night Live when the republican character told the Obama character that, “it’s not that we want health care to fail, we just want you to fail.”
So, for those of you looking for reasons why Obama should lose in 2012, or even decide not to run, here are my Top 10 Reasons...
1. He Did It
Obama became the first Black president in 2008. There has never been so much excitement and involvement in any American election. The entire spectacle of campaigning, primaries, speeches, nomination, election night, acceptance speech, parade, etc., was an emotional high for much of a portion of American that normally could give a hoot about the president. Now that he’s done it, that same level of excitement will never be duplicated again. Sure, there will be some hype for 2012, but not like the first time.
2. The Honeymoon is Over
When I first saw Obama descend the stairs on Air Force One, I really knew he had arrived. Now he’s in and out of that plane several times a day. There was a time when you heard his voice and you ran to the TV. Now, it’s just another soundbite from the nightly news. Watching him become the president was far more fun than watching him be the president.
3. He is a War Monger
George Bush may have started the wars but Obama has added plenty of fuel to the fire. I’ll never claim to know all the dynamics of war but I do know it’s costing a lot of money and lives and I’m just not hearing enough talk about pulling the plug.
4. White Voters don’t like him anymore
As his approval ratings drop and those who were on the fence but leaned Obama’s way in 2008 are now leaning elsewhere, he’ll definitely be hard pressed to earn the landslides he enjoyed in the past. However, when I look at groups like Organizing for America, whenever I hang with them in Philly, it’s 90% White folks who are keeping the Obama flame burning.
5. He has Divided the Nation
How can his approval ratings be 41% for Whites and 94% for Blacks. Less than half of Whites think he’s doing a good job and 9-out-of-10 Blacks think he’s doing a great job. It has never been that lopsided before Obama. Are these ratings measuring performance or perception?
6. He has Alienated the Republicans
You have to give those republicans credit for sticking to their guns. When they say they won’t give Obama a vote no matter what he proposes, they do just that. As Obama asks, is saying no good politics? I get a real chuckle when Obama says that the republican that votes no is later seen smiling in the photo op with his constituent who is benefiting from the very program he voted no on.
7. He is Full of Compromise
In order to get anything passed, Obama has to compromise his policy to assure that he gets the votes needed. Of course, this always goes on but it seems to be in high gear now.
8. He has Raised the Bar
Who doesn’t enjoy an Obama speech? On the POTUS satellite radio station they usual carry his speeches live, and there are often 2 or more per day. Could you really stomach more than 2 George Bush speeches in a year? Unlike in recent history, we now have an educated, intelligent, articulate, youthful president that has captured the hearts of many who have never engaged in american politics. I often wonder why there is no entrance exam for politicians to make sure they meet some minimum qualification before taking office. Hopefully, Obama is the new standard.
9. He will Prove Everyone Wrong
Until he is no longer president, and until the policies he’s putting in place mature, history cannot honestly evaluate his complete contribution and performance as president. I just have a feeling that time will prove that Obama will go down as one of the most effective presidents ever, even if for a single term.
10. He has better things to do
Why stress out for four more years. Just call it a day and go enjoy your life with your beautiful wife and kids. You did what you had to do, now go do something for you. Life after presidency always seems pretty cool. I’ve never seen a former president take on a job unless it’s some plumb ambassador sort of thing. Obama can earn millions on the speaking circuit, write a couple books, and even do the anti-Ronald Reagen...get into TV and movies after the presidency instead of before.
In conclusion, as much as I’d love for President Barack Obama to be my president forever, I’d much rather see him finish off his first term, grab a couple beers, slide down the chute and tell the rest of us to take that job and shove it as he and the family rides off into the sunset in a long black limo surrounded by the secret service.
I must hand it to you this is a good list. Of course, it's missing some things:
ReplyDelete1. He did it: Yes he did! No one is going to argue with that. He still got "IT".
2. The honeymoon is over: Of course, the honeymoon is over. It usually gets boring and dry after you have dealt with someone for awhile. Besides, he was just plain over played by the media, 24/7 Obama until you couldn't stand it anymore.
3. He is a War Monger: Yes, George Bush started the war for personal reasons. There was a lot more people killed and money wasted before Obama came along. Economies around the world were damaged by this man's reaction. Obama is just trying to clean this mess up. He doesn't want to do it by making us a target.
4. White voters don't like him anymore: 90% White folks are keeping the flame burning? In what terms exactly? Are they for him or against him? The Tea Party has definitely been fueling the fire against him. Actually, I think we would have all liked him a lot more if he had dealt with jobs first. Give people their jobs back, make them comfortable and there is not much to complain about.
5. He has Divided the Nation: I think this is more perception than performance. It's a race thing. This guy has been in office how long? I think he has done a lot so far to benefit all people. If you wanted a miracle, you should have elected God. I don't think he ran for the job. I don't think he needed it.
6. He has Alienated the Republicans: I agree with you on this one. The republicans were already alienated. They planned to oppose him no matter what. So is it a race thing? Or is it a Republican vs. a Democratic thing?
7. He is Full of Compromise: He Compromises his policies instead of living up to his campaign promises. I don't think he should but then he may not get the votes. This makes him look like a flip flopper.
8. He has Raised the Bar: True! Entrance exam that's a good one! We all have to take them. Why not the guy/gal in charge of the country?
9. He will Prove Everyone Wrong: Let's hope you are right on this one.
10. He has Better Things to do: I don't think he should take your advice on this one. He should not call it quits after 4 years. He gets another term if he can win reelection. He should at least try to run like Jimmy Carter. If he doesn't win, then he can go on the speaking circuit. He is still young. There's still plenty of time to do that other stuff.
"You did what you had to do". No, he did not have to run for the presidency. This was what he wanted to do. To give it up now when he doesn't have to would be a shame. Please Mr. President don't tell us to take this job and shove it. Some of us are still holding out with hope and faith in you.
Very nice response. Thanks. On number 4, Organizing for America is a democratic political action group. They are for Obama..
ReplyDeleteThanks. I thought you would appreciate it. There is nothing like a challenge. You are welcome!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Honestly. You forgot your title, "10 Reasons why Obama should win in 2012"
ReplyDeleteNice Homage to Obama!I don't know about the kitchen but I would put it in a den or an office space.
ReplyDelete