Why Obama Will Need to Show He Is a Fighter
Obama is a conciliator, but sometimes a president must come out swinging to get his way in Washington
In his inaugural address, Obama showed toughness toward America's foes around the world. "We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense," he said, "and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."
This was a clear demonstration of backbone. And it's the kind of emphasis that Obama needs to repeat in order to show that he can be a fighter as well as an accommodator at home.
- Read more about the Obama administration
- Read more by Kenneth T. Walsh
Reader Comments
Tough Challenges Ahead
I think that Obama has something going against him that frankly we're all guilty of advancing, and that is HIGH EXPECTATIONS. For the last eight years the Bush administration made an art-form of keeping expectations low, so that when something went wrong it was somewhat expected and when something went well we all collectively fell over in disbelief and then started a party. Obama has a higher standard, and his limbo poll is much closer to the ground. Every mistake he makes is going to be a disappointment if we don't start recognizing that though he has been inspirational, he really is just another politician (perhaps a different breed, but nonetheless the same species) and he's prone to make political decisions and sometimes political mistakes. What's refreshing is that he's at least willing to own up to them. He's out there saying "I screwed up", what more can we ask for? Do we really need to roll him in the coals because he DIDN'T duck in cover??
Anyway, Obama does have a tough road ahead, this is one hell of a time to be President, and he knows it. He knows that if this stimulus bill doesn't get passed, and more importantly if it doesn't work in the space of three years, everything he hoped to do will be over in 2012. He'd be a one-term president and the nation will turn their back on the idea of change and instead embrace the "comfort food" of old politics and older politicians. Give the man some credit, this is a tough road to travel and his success or failure may well be our own.
Unifacation or acheivment
I do not think that,consensus is nearly as important to the country as the programs as outlined to the electorate by President Obama.Trying to appease people such as Mitch Mconnel,who was always more interested in how much money he could squeeze from the lobbyists then the welfare of his country will only delay the implementation of the programs to get this country on the right track.Take a page from HST's book.Give 'em" hell and get on with progress.
i am so glad
i'm so glad to have beone of the people to welcome the leadership of Mr.Obama.now being the president of the united states of america.on behalf of the people of Eritrea once again i would like to congratulate Mr.Obama.
advertisement
