January 20th, 2009 marks one of the most amazing events in the modern world. No, not just the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America but the peaceful transition of power from one President to the next in the world's most powerful country. No tanks in the streets, no riots, no (real) drama. This in itself is truly amazing. Obama's election and ascendancy to President demonstrates all that is good and hopeful about America and it is indeed a proud moment for us all.
President Obama is OUR President. Regardless of who you voted for, wanted to see win, or campaigned for, we now have a new President of the United States of America. We get to decide again in four years whether or not we like the job he has done.
We are exiting a presidency that built resentment and contempt across the board but also managed to strengthen the Office of the President, go on the offensive against those who seek to harm us (right or wrong), and govern based on the long view vs. popularity polls. History really will judge whether or not the last eight years were truly as bad as the common belief holds.
I tend to try to look at things in a historical context and that extreme positions of one President are then moderated by the next – regardless of party or person.
So why the title of the post? Yes, I read this book some time ago and believe it is truly what the world, not just America, has for President Obama. For that, I am truly concerned as it dramatically increases the already heavy burdens of the office.
If you have ever had to manage expectations or reset them, you know how difficult and draining the process can be. Our modern political process is a game of marketing, branding, and messaging with the hope that the most qualified and competent person is victorious. What is said to win is not always put into practice while governing.
You are already seeing expectations being managed and policies that seemed draconian and tyrannical according to colorful journalism are now being embraced by this Administration. Are they all being reviewed and reconsidered? Absolutely. But what we will see are more similarities than differences on major policy positions and a slow moderation of many of the extreme positions taken over the past eight years.
The same people that hate our way of life today will hate our way of life tomorrow. Hugo Chavez has already begun to shift his rhetoric from Bush to Obama. Even everyone's favorite cave dwelling terrorist Osama bin Laden had to weigh in that he still hated us every bit as much.
I look forward to the future and truly hope the hater class here at home looks inward and realizes that it is much easier to criticize than to act. We have a great number of challenges as a country and there is a surge of optimism that must be tapped. Hesitate and we will miss a once in a generation opportunity.
Leadership is a lonely road and there are no harder decisions to make that those as President of the United States.
Congratulations Mr. President. Now, let's get to work
Venture Vice 
bravo.
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I agree that the mere fact of peaceful transition is itself a cause for celebration. And as a White person who grew up in racially segregated Texas, I’m also awed by the inauguration of an African-American. I’ve reflected on its significance from my perspective in a post to my blog (onscreen-scientist.com) called “Thoughts of Water on the Eve of Obama’s Inauguration.”
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This is actually about your tweet “Hard questions are part of the job description Mr. President”, but I don’t know how to reply over there. No need to post this, just some person to person feedback.
I enjoyed the Great Expectations post above. Here’s my take on the reaction to Obama surprise visit to the press corp. to say hello. It comes across to me as people who dislike Obama and are hurling negative comments about him, looking for anything to take a jab at. I’m no big rah-rah Obama person. But really, it was him dropping by to say hi, be friendly, for the first time. Obviously he is going to be facing the pointed questions from them for the next four years. If he had dodged the question at even his first press conference, then the criticism seems fair to me. If people think he should have answered questions during his first ‘say hello’ visit, then so be it, but again, the jab comes across as not substantive, but more anger simply based on not liking the man. Perhaps that isn’t the case, but thought I’d send in this feedback.
The photo of you hiking with your dog is cool. I enjoy hikes where you get above the trees. -Bob
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Thanks for the thoughts and comments Bob. My “hard questions” tweet was just based on my initial reaction to reading the story on Politico – one of the few places I think you can get coverage absent left or right talking points. I am not a hater as I think that is not productive and believe we need transparency above all else. The President should always be asked questions. Answering them is at his discretion but this seemed contrary to the ‘change’ and ‘open dialogue’ that we all heard so much about. More the reality of the job than any nefarious plot. Just my thoughts and love that you shared yours. Keep ’em coming.
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Robert,
Let’s admit the truth. As long as it wasn’t Edwards, you’re in. 🙂
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