Given that it's been a year since the 2008 presidential election -- and the media, both traditional and new, understandably love marking somewhat arbitrary passages of time -- there's a whole lot of talk going on right now about what Barack Obama has accomplished versus what he's dropped the ball on in ostensibly spectacular fashion.
While I've backed Obama for the most part, I'm not a blind faith apologist for the man or his shortcomings as president, of which there are more than a few; my thought has always been that a fracturing support system among the smart people in this country who believe in the core ideals that someone like Obama stands for merely opens the door for the worst-case scenario (and you know damn well what that is). This doesn't mean that there should never be any accountability for the president we elected and expect to adhere to the promises made on the campaign trail; it just means that there's a reality that has to be accepted: that Obama was never going to be able to satisfy everyone, particularly not the far-left, and that splintering off and throwing a tantrum because your pet cause isn't being given the deference you believe it's due amounts to little more than shooting yourself in the foot.
Do I think Obama needs to step up and put his own foot down in a more forceful way on certain issues?
Yup, sure do.
Will I act like a petulant child if he doesn't accomplish every little thing I want him to?
No, of course not. That's unrealistic.
Two pieces, each of which examines the successes and failures of Obama since the election from a distinct angle, are what got me thinking of this. Take a look for yourself and make your own decision:
The Huffington Post: "The Audacity of Winning vs. the Timidity of Governing" by Arianna Huffington/11.3.09
Bob Cesca's Awesome Blog! Go!: The Curse of Not-Good-Enough/11.3.09
Related:
DXM: With Friends Like These.../8.21.09
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