Is President Obama too Normal?
Could His Ordinariness Conflict With His Role as Head of State?
Jun 10, 2009
Barack Obama's graduation from the prestigious Harvard Law School, sophisticated oration and obvious intelligence have earned him a label as 'elitist.'
One abcnews article reported him as saying "It’s true that both the republicans and my opponents to some degree have been trying to paint me as this elitist out of touch...It's hard for me to figure that out given that I was raised with far fewer advantages than [Clinton and McCain]. I don't want to go out of my way to prove my street cred as a down to earth guy." ("Elitist? Obama Says Nah- He's Got 'Street Cred as a Down to Earth Guy'", abcnews, April 25, 2008.)
Obama as a Regular Guy
However, Obama seems committed to coming across as an average husband and father. The Independent reported that "Obama, taking a little time out from campaigning, working out, visiting his sick granny and saving the free world, he took [daughters] Malia and Sasha out trick-or-treating. And what did he do the morning after the most historic election victory of all time? Drove them to school. He also takes out the rubbish and reads them Harry Potter stories." ("Obama: Too Good To Be True?", The Independent, November 9, 2008)
In his speeches and daily activities, Obama's casual humour and laid-back demeanour give the impression of an average guy who just happens to be the President of America. On the one hand his rousing speeches inspired millions, yet on the other hand he's photographed ordering cheeseburgers at local fast-food joints.
His wife Michelle once downplayed his importance by saying "The Barack Obama who lives in my house, that guy's not as impressive... He still has trouble putting his socks in the dirty clothes basket, and he still doesn't do a better job than our... daughter Sasha at making his bed, so you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little stunned at this whole Barack Obama thing."("Profile: Michelle Obama", The Daily Telegraph, October 23, 2008)
Obama as a Celebrity
Not only are people regarding him as more down to earth than past Heads of State, Obama is also more showbiz. He appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, a comedy talk show usually reserved for film and music stars, becoming the first President to do so. But was this a step too far away from politics?
Garrad McClendon stated "I strongly suggest that Mr. Obama should stick to the business at hand, not late-night comedy... With nervous troops in Afghanistan and Iraq... and nervous employees nearing unemployment's grasp, please concentrate on being the President of the United States, not the Blackberry toting, cool guy on comedy shows."
Obama's featured on the cover of Men's Vogue and Harpers, and photographs of the dapper President in sunglasses exiting limos to be greeted by camera flashes and screaming fans have also made him seem more of a celebrity than a politician.
One comment about such a picture stated "Here’s Barack Obama... looking a little too sharp and stylish for a president. Who does he think he is, George Clooney? Everybody knows that presidents need to be very decrepit and scary or dumb clowns..." ("Is Obama Too Cool to be President?", Wonkette.com, undated)
Obama as President
At the risk of rubbing off the veneer of awe and respectability that comes with being President, The Obamas have chosen to remain down-to-earth; they dress down when not on official duty, give speeches in small schools and universities and set chores for their children.
However, Obama's 'super-President, normal guy' persona seems to work as he is internationally admired for his ability to openly juggle family and work and ganers praise for his executive decisions. Past inhabitants of the White House seem positively staid and uncool compared to the new first family who have brought glamour, normality and a puppy called Bo to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
See also: Eyewitness Account of Obama's Inauguration
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