President Barack Obama's Greatest Weaknesses
Political and Personal Liabilities May Hurt the Obama Presidency
Sep 28, 2009
In the article, “Presidential Candidates’ Weaknesses in Depth Clinton and Obama Foes Cite Personal Factors; McCain Critics Cite Policy” (Gallup, Lydia Saad, April 2, 2008), Americans were polled regarding the weaknesses of presidential candidates. For Barack Obama, Americans responded that they thought his greatest weaknesses included inexperience, they did not trust him, they disagreed with his views, they disliked his religious affiliation, and he was too liberal. The responses give an interesting initial indication of the potential vulnerabilities of these candidates prior to the 2008 election.
Recession, International Policy, and Health Care Reform Strengths
In his first year of office, President Obama did post several significant strategies to address the myriad of problems the US faced. He proved that, overall, he had leadership skills and could develop strategies based upon recommendations of staff and party philosophy for the recession, international policy, and health care reform. He also had developed several strategies acceptable in a bi-partisan mode.
White House Political Weaknesses
Given these strengths which are needed for leadership at such a critical level, the truth is that there are, perhaps, four overall weaknesses that Barack – the person, demonstrates in this position. These are characteristics that can affect policy formation or even erode his ability to effectively negotiate as leader of the country. As with any president, the accomplishments of an administration may depend upon the degree with which one can adequately address one’s liabilities and prevent them from contaminating policy or implementation.
- Narcissistic Traits – In the article “Narcissist or Merely Narcissistic?” (Global Politician, Sam Vaknin, Ph.D., August 13, 2008), the author states that Barack Obama appears to be a narcissist. He points out several traits Obama displays, and shows traits that narcissists demonstrate, including being subtle, refined, socially-adept, having thespian skills, and being convincing. Narcissism, however, may also include feeling superior, and behaving arrogantly or haughtily, or even being ruthless and relentless or driven. For example, in a video on the Chris Matthews Show, Obama stated that he smoked marijuana, in fact he “Inhaled frequently, that was the point.” Many believe that while he showed honesty, this was a flippant remark made with total disregard to the seriousness of drug use and addiction. Further it was made neglectful of any understanding of his position as a role model and it was made as if he was right and proud of that fact, i.e., without any compunction, guilt or remorse. Again, while there is not a diagnosis of narcissism, the President should monitor any such traits rooted in narcissism to avoid any future mistakes.
- Not Understanding the U.S. Culture – On March 6th, 2009, Barack announced that America is not a “Christian nation.” Technically, his view may have been correct, but in a country that is 76 percent Christian, and where religion is one of the prized pillars of society and civilization – such an announcement may have been more than a shock – it may have been a violation of trust to the American people. Another example was in April 2009, when Obama apologized for a myriad of mistakes the United States has done across the world. In a speech in Strasburg the President offered an apology for the Bush era, declaring that America had “shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive” towards its allies. Many Americans felt that this was out of context and was a devaluation of America by their leader and became furious at these remarks. His references to American "arrogance" and its "dismissive" attitude were viewed by some commentators as an unwarranted attack on America and more than a few felt this was a “traitorous” action. Real or otherwise, this proved to heighten a negative perception of the President. Mr. Obama may need to realize that the US culture, is indeed diverse, and should avoid comments which are offensive to large segments of the population.
- Inexperience – President Obama has actual weakness in foreign policy, fiscal policy and even politics. One of the President’s early fortunes was to select many of his senior political appointments who had previous experience of a high caliber. Too many others, however, lacked the considerable experience needed for such a high level of policy formulation. The result has been a number of amateur decisions which may come back to haunt this administration. In the article, “Obama's Appointees: Some Strong, Some Not, Vanderbilt Expert Finds” (David Lewis, Vanderbuilt University, August 22, 2009), the author speaks to the need for appointees to have considerable background and training at this level. The President has made several mistakes. For instance he recommended to Governor Patterson (the Governor of New York), that the Governor not run in the 2010 election. This was interpreted as interference by Obama in local politics and angered many New Yorkers who were supporters of Patterson. Obama also accepted a benefit in the health care reform package for end-of-life counseling, which justifiably angered many pro-life and conservative elements that had otherwise supported health care reform. He needs to strengthen his decisions with more experienced advisers.
- Over-Exposure – President Obama has made great use of the media to present his opinions and policies. But in the article “Obama Pushes the Limits of Media Exposure" (Julie Mason, Washington Examiner, June 25, 2009), the author suggests that a recent media blitz may actually backfire. This president risks over-exposure. Even comedians are commenting on his media involvement, saying that he does not have to be on television every day – or that another Obama infomercial is on. Certainly, a president must skillfully shape the press and utilize the media, but the use of the media for its own sake may remove the specialness and importance of an address by the president for many viewers, and ultimately may subject viewers to a feeling of repulsion. Over-exposure has a downside – and may backfire resulting in a negative reputation that one should not risk.
Presidents are human. All humans are less than perfect. The key to a successful presidential administration, however, is to recognize one’s weaknesses and strive to overcome them.
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