Can Barack Obama Really Do It?
Assessing Expectations of the 44th United States President
Jan 12, 2009
Amid the euphoria that accompanied his election to power, Barack Obama will shoulder the burden of expectation as well as the pressure of solving America’s problems at home and abroad.
Barack Obama’s Chief Responsibilities as President
As well as his role as chief of the world’s greatest economic and military power, while overseeing a federal budget of $3 trillion and a budget deficit expected to run to $1 trillion, Barack Obama will be the one person to whom people will look for a solution to recession, terrorism, the middle-east crisis and global warming. Inarguably, Barack Obama’s most important task will be implementing the economic stimulus bill with its tax cuts and government spending on infrastructure designed to create jobs and increase consumer spending power.
In addition to these predominant issues, Barack Obama will also have to contend with other pressures, such as the closing of Guantanamo Bay, diplomatic relations with Iran and the ailing automobile industry.
Barack Obama’s Credentials and Background
It is clear that Barack Obama is capable of leading a successful electoral campaign. However, until the announcement of his presidential candidacy in February 2007, Barack Obama’s political career at national level had been unexceptional.
Barack Obama’s upbringing overseas, in Hawaii and Indonesia, is a characteristic that sets him apart from all his predecessors. This may engender a rare insight into how America is perceived abroad and influence Barack Obama’s approach to foreign affairs.
Barack Obama’s Preparations for Presidency
In contrast to Bill Clinton, Barack Obama has not wasted time formulating strategies to turn his proposals into reality. Legislation will not pose a problem for Barack Obama as the Democrats hold majorities in both House and Senate. Notwithstanding this, the magnitude of Barack Obama’s proposals – his commitment to ending the conflict in Iraq, the passage of the economic stimulus bill, his proposed talks with Iran – may conspire against him and undermine his diligence.
Barack Obama’s Key Staff
A successful president always has a great team behind him, and it is hoped that this is true in Barack Obama’s case. Barack Obama’s selection of Republican Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense and former nomination competitor Hilary Clinton as Secretary of State are testament either to his self-confidence or his ability to appoint the best candidates for the job irrespective of partisan differences. Barack Obama has retained a number of eminent economists to negotiate economic recovery, including Timothy Geithner, a key player in rescuing AIG and Bear Stearns.
Notwithstanding Barack Obama’s overwhelming popularity, it is important to remember that the world now looks to one man to reverse its misfortune. This amount of pressure could seriously jeopardise Barack Obama’s prospects as President, so it is crucial not to overlook the possibility that he may not be able to deliver what is expected of him.
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