PrintJuly 30, 2009
Will Obama's presidency be saved through failed initiatives?
Obama's presidency is spiraling down. The more he attempts to implement previously failed initiatives (nationalized healthcare, immigration reform) as well as harmful new ones (Cap and Trade) instead of concentrating on unemployment and the economy, the more he continues to falter with the American people. But his failures may be just the thing that could save his presidency -- and even land him a second term.
We've seen this before. When Bill Clinton ascended to high office, he did so with a whirlwind of new, radical ideas: healthcare reform, gays in the military, the luxury tax. The first two failed to be implemented; the last was repealed following disastrous results. His failure as a leader and liberal reformer allowed Republicans to take control of both the Senate and the House following the next election cycle.
After this, Bill Clinton told the nation he "got the message". Caring more about his poll numbers than his efficacy, he laid low (more or less policy-wise) for the next 6 years, and it saved him. In time, he was even able to take credit for Republican successes like Welfare Reform, even claiming that the government was operating at a "surplus". Although his hedonistic tendencies (and hubris) proved to be his undoing as a moral exemplar of a president, his tenure in the White House is not looked upon with the disdain of his Democrat predecessor Jimmy Carter -- a complete disaster in every respect.
Obama is starting to experience the same sort of Clinton moment. How will he react once his initiatives fail to come to fruition? Will he, enjoying a cult of personality, lay low and eventually take the credit as hard working Americans utilize the free market to put the economy back on track? Or, as the supreme narcissist, double up his efforts to deny people their freedoms while trying to create an Obamatopian society ruled over by an elite government class?
I get the impression more and more that many Americans wanted to elect a black president, that is all (to convince themselves they are post-racial perhaps?). That was all the Hope and Change they ever really wanted. They did not vote for someone who is going to bring radical changes in how they live, conduct business, and take care of those they love.
If Obama can see this, his presidency may still be saved. It may even prosper.
