Would you believe our first big dose of hopium was twelve months ago? The historic Obama presidential victory was one year ago. It was a year that flew by. Obama promised change and change he delivered.
Has it been the right change? And why is it we don’t feel so good?
An energized electorate had hoped for a fundamental change in the way politics is practiced. Red and Blue America was to be replaced by the United States of America. We hoped for a post racial America. An energized generation of newcomers and outsiders was to replace the in-crowd. We were told no more troops in Iraq, new jobs and comprehensive healthcare and energy policy.
What happened?
Has Obama caught Potomac fever? Has he exchanged an outsider campaign for an insider presidency? Or is governing that much more difficult than campaigning?
Historic trends for all sitting presidents is to lose public support, except when they run for reelection, throughout their four-year term. Honeymoon periods have become short weekends, for Obama too.
Can presidents be inoculated from this apparent inevitable slip in public confidence? Has our presidency grown into what LBJ self described as a “pitiful helpless giant”? What can Obama do to overcome our bellyaching?
First he must fight the temptation to spin this week’s elections as a proxy vote for or against his presidency. Political science teaches us “all politics is local.” If Korzine loses in New Jersey or Deeds in Virgina, the pundits will be out in force blaming the failed policies of Obama. Avoid the rush to judgment. Get a second opinion.
Second Obama better hope an economic recovery bears fruit by next year’s midterm elections. If the next twelve months plays déjà vu this president will be in seriously sick. Whether policy choices or circumstance make the difference, Obama cannot afford increasing unemployment numbers. Healing cannot be discussed it must be felt.
Most importantly, President Obama must listen first and foremost to those who got him elected. The audacity of hope resided in his soul not those inside the Capitol who claim to be his soul mates. The politics inside of Congress looks increasingly like old bandaged remedies. The problems we face today require new treatments.
After Tuesday’s election there will be many who will declare the Obama presidency as sickly. It would be premature under any circumstances let alone the depth of the crises faced by this administration. Yet if today’s symptoms persist for another twelve months, Obama and the Democrats will be really sick.
Then Republicans will make the only House calls.
