Old Content:
The Obama Condition
June 15, 2009 by Kyle BradyTags: America, Criticism, Media, MSM, Obama, Politics
As required by the FTC, a Full Disclosure is available - this piece adheres to the Code of Ethics
What the networks, pundits, and hate-spewing detractors need to remember is this: Barack Obama has been President for a few days short of six months. To reiterate: six months.
For some reason, the media seems more prone to a constant "historical perspective" analysis for Obama than any other President, providing instantaneous commentary on almost any of his actions, as if they happened a significant number of years ago, and the repercussions could be easily seen. Obviously this isn't true.
Having been in Office for half a year, only so much can be accomplished. Regardless of campaign promises and expectations, some issues take time to address - especially when other, unforeseen, events get in the way. Critics love to point out that "don't ask, don't tell" in the military has yet to be addressed, or that he hasn't passed any legislation on healthcare yet. Despite achieving more in his short existence as President than our previous figurehead did in his entire second term, Obama receives untold flak for not having completed all his line-items yet, something that could be referred to as "The Obama Condition".
Already, our first black President has had a significant impact on the country: navigating an economic crisis with some measure of success, initiated the beginning-of-the-end for our Iraqi involvement, refocused our military efforts to Afghanistan, encouraged a reinvigoration of scientific progress, and helped to reform our American image in the grand worldview. Portions of the bank bailout have been repaid, with the federal government making a profit from the loans - just a few months ago most Americans were wondering if the money would even come back at all, let alone with interest.
This is not to say that Obama has had unchallenged success, because he hasn't: the auto industry bailout was largely a failure, the polarization of angry Republicans has only strengthened, and many position appointments have turned out to be in bad faith. Perhaps, though, the fact that the "core" Republicans are becoming angrier and less coherent can be seen as a success, as a sort of validation of his progress so far - many of their ideas have already been proven to be intellectual failures by the aftermath of the previous administration.
He has only begun his Presidency, and achieved much, but still receives an overly critical analysis of his every action. These very actions have inexorably moved us forward as a country, a net-positive vector on the chart of national progress. He is not infallible, nor is he a political super-savior who will singlehandedly smite widespread corruption, nepotism, and the Congressional version of Newton's First Law of Physics. But he's intelligent and capable, so let's give him a chance - an honest chance.
Former President George W. Bush didn't turn America into a war-mongering nation overnight, nor did President Bill Clinton achieve a federal budget surplus within the first few months of his Presidency. There are many issues to address, all of which need to be handled carefully and expertly, but most of these items are not even recognized by the mainstream media, or even Congress itself.
If the 24/7 news cycle's political feedback begins to influence Obama's confidence and decisions, the house of cards that is our country will quickly collapse upon itself. More importantly, the people of America need to recognize that CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News are more interested in viewership than a realistic political view (especially FOX News) - we, the people, need to keep the political faith instead of passing instant criticism, and put some trust in our President. After all, the election was won by a significant voter majority.
President Barack Obama has three and a half more years to achieve greatness, and the cornerstones have been laid. Only time will tell if the foundation will be strong enough to support the growing weight of his policies...
Let the mortar dry before we test its strength.
Kyle can be found on Twitter and MySpace, or reached via email.
