Legal Commentary

Obama's Leadership

By Big Tent Democrat

When I discuss President Obama's standing with the American People, I want people to understand the difference between political skills and political opportunities now and what the use of this political power to effect policy will mean come election time. Thus, when I write in a post below "Obama in command," it is not to endorse his policy initiatives to date (some I like, some I find inadequate), it is to describe the political moment. In their article discussing their latest poll, the NYTimes captures the moment as I see it:

President Obama is benefiting from remarkably high levels of optimism and confidence among Americans about his leadership, providing him with substantial political clout as he confronts the nation’s economic challenges and opposition from nearly all Republicans in Congress, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.

How President Obama uses this political clout (hopefully to enact efficacious policies), particularly on the economy, will determine his fate (political and historical). His FDR opportunity remains, in no small measure due to his immense political talent. Let's hope he does not squander the opportunity.Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on February 23, 2009 (boomark / email).