When The Honeymoon Ends
In that partisan politics do not encourage positive discussions, and in that FT is employed by an international crowd, the usual "Here's why," and "They were right/wrong," observations regarding the recent American Presidential election don't belong here.
As such, they won't appear. What will appear is this: Regardless of one's position in favor or opposition to the results, what remains is that there were a remarkable number of people who voted for the first time this election, and not because of age. One may point to any of a small number of demographic parameters as the cause and probably be mostly right. But even that isn't terribly important per se.
What is important is that our new President is perceived by a larger-than-usual segment of the American population as being somehow able to grant a larger degree of blessing - social, economic, political - than past occupiers of The Oval Office. Along about Easter, there will come the revelation that no one man is above the influences, necessities and conundrae of The Presidency. Once that segment that saw some kind of Rooseveltian rescuer appear realizes that business as usual is the rule of the day, things could get sticky, fast.
Hopefully he will take steps to alleviate this during the first 100 days, typically the quadrennial "Era of Good Feelings" for a first-term President. For his sake and the sake of the innocent, I hope he does.
And that's all.
4 Comments:
Excellent observations there, corquando, and much along my own thinking. This stood out because it is exactly how I feel:
"Once that segment that saw some kind of Rooseveltian rescuer appear realizes that business as usual is the rule of the day, things could get sticky, fast."
There are so many lofty expectations of this man that at times I have felt people have forgotten he is human and not the coming of the Messiah, for lack of a better way to put it. Thank you for your words.
Sandy
By jordandog, Nov 07 08 6:58 PM
I guess I must have missed this...I have 'high hopes.' That's the only way I can express what's done, here. I am also, very proud of US, as a country, to have made this happen.
By veronikkamarrz, Dec 20 08 11:36 PM
What we have done is elect an erudite, cosmopolitan, intellectual to head the highest office in the land, he will do an excellent job and yes many people will be disappointed because of his need to do the things that will strengthen the economy and make us a better world neighbor. He has a job that no one can do and make everyone happy. President Bush found that out and so will President Obama.
By garrysouders, Jan 27 09 9:26 AM
Wow, didn't even take 100 days and Gary was proved wrong, and this week his true colors were shown.
By lagrastar, Jul 28 09 6:39 AM