President Obama’s performance over the last four years has been
bittersweet:
- He did not take advantage of Congressional majorities when he had
them. Invoking reconciliation rules
would have allowed the curtailment of the Bush tax cuts on the rich.
- Simply put, he does not like conflict and the Republicans, sensing this,
gave him more than he could handle. He
did not use the Bully pulpit to push through the programs he said he would push
through when running for office. The
American people believe he would not compromise with the right to get bills
passed: why did he not trumpet the right’s
intransigence at the time so he could run against Congress and seek a Democratic
congress this time around. Where was
Lyndon Johnson when you needed him? Did Obama
put his passion in a jar once elected?
- He did not explain things to the American voter: it is criminal that Obama
care was so misunderstood. He allowed
the right to define his signature program.
- He did little to effectively end the misery of those whose houses were
under water making them unable to refinance their homes at reduced interest
rates. Laws were passed, to be sure, but
they clearly didn’t do the trick. He
should have stayed on top of the situation.
It would have been nice if the Federal government directly lent people
funds rather than ‘work’ through recalcitrant banks who had little interest in
refinancing high interest loans.
- He did not fight for the unemployed when his jobs bill became hung up in
Congress. This was an important bill and
he should have taken his case to the American people. People suffered because of his capitulation.
On the flip side, President Obama demonstrated his ability to make sound decisions,
and accept the risk of political failure should things not pan out.
- The Detroit bail-out was done quickly and effectively.
- He said he would be tough on terrorists and he was. While restoring US credibility as a team
player on most international issues, he was ruthless when it came to
terrorists.
- He is well reasoned and calm when things get tough: witness the response to
Sandy.
- I envision a re-elected Obama as taking a different tack with Congress, but
frankly do not look for any landmark legislation over the next four years. In order to get things done you have to be
willing to go to the mat. I think he
will remain too cautious. On the other
hand, I am comfortable that things will not get out of hand internationally. Washington’s central role in maintaining
economic safety nets will continue.
It is hard to discuss Mitt Romney because I have no idea what he will do as
President based on the total inconsistency of his rhetoric.
- Based on his Massachusetts experience, I see
him as a moderate leader. However, I am
nervous about his ‘pliability’ and wonder whether he will stand up
neoconservatives and those who call for major cutbacks in government
roles.
- I worry that pushing
responsibilities back on the states will lead to permanent damage to the safety
nets which have evolved. [For me it is
important that citizens be able to get medical care when ill and that children
receive the support they need to develop the potential to succeed as adults.]
- Lastly, Mitt Romney has demonstrated, at a
minimum, an inability to relate to the concerns and needs of most Americans: at
best he holds callous and dismissive attitudes toward those that struggle to
make it. This I personally cannot abide
in a President.
There you have it… Obama is the choice but not without some reservations.
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