OBAMA AT THE CROSSROADS:
Does Hope Hang in the Balance?
2/25/09
by William Hessel
 

One month into the administration of Barack Obama, it is far too early to draw any conclusions, or any firm projections, on the course of the new administration.  He is making an attempt to govern from the center—that may not work for him over time, or be where he wants to stay.  In forming his administrative team, he has drawn on a number of old guard politicians who may not be eager to implement change-oriented policies, and whether the Team of Rivals concept will work for him is a major unknown.  His attempts to solicit significant Republican support have thus far fallen flat, in spite of the urgency of the need for immediate and effective action.  His calmness and confidence in the face of massive pressures and dire circumstances is a major asset, keeping the majority of the public solidly on his side and trusting in the belief that the change and the hope that he campaigned on can be realized.  While he is being granted significant time to ease the roiling economic waters that he inherited, and to test the waters of the more underlying national and international issues that he will have to deal with, the magnitude and the immediacy of the challenges he confronts can not be underestimated. How long can he remain in the center and attempt to be everyone's friend, in the hope of enlisting their support?  The situation suggests: Not Long.

The powerful sense of hope that the Obama campaign engendered was based on the belief that real change in Washington is possible.  Politicians could be honest, and work in the best interest of the majority of the people, not just the special interests.  The Constitution could be faithfully respected, rather than circumvented at the whim of those in power.  Our foreign policy could demonstrate respect and cooperation with other nations, rather than arrogance and intimidation, and rely on diplomacy more than military power to reach desired ends.  Our health and educational systems can be improved so that they meet the basic needs of all elements of the population, with none being excluded or underserved.  The recent economic collapse raised to the forefront another pressing need, that our economic system include sufficient safeguards to insure that runaway greed and unregulated irresponsible fiscal practices not devastate the economic health of the nation, to the detriment of everyone, especially those least able to survive..

The marked wave of hope and positive energy that spread throughout the country upon Obama's election and inauguration have already experienced some diminution.  The housing and financial downturns have not abated; unemployment numbers increase steadily; additional companies, both large and small, are forced to consider bankruptcy, closing, or layoffs; many states and the programs they support are in dire financial condition; Republicans are virtually unanimous in opposing programs designed to stimulate the economy, seemingly choosing to play politics rather than lessen the financial pain that is spreading throughout the country.  With a strong boost being needed to keeping the spirit of hope alive and well, Obama's speech to Congress and to the nation on Feb. 24th was masterful in speaking directly to the issues, with candor and clarity.  Listeners responded extremely positively, hope was temporarily renewed, but the changes the hope is ultimately based on are still a long way off.

Obama's speech, and his decisions and behaviors thus far, indicate he has a clear preference for governing from the center, but the changes he desires to implement necessitate that he must lean to the left, to the more progressive, liberal side of the political continuum.  With the Republican Party now firmly controlled by their most conservative, even regressive, members, Obama can expect little support from them.  The battle lines are drawn.  For Obama to produce the changes that his success, and the battle for hope, relies upon, he must use the most rare and powerful skill that he has at his disposal.  The greatest weapon he has in the battle for change is his earnest and masterful oratory.  In taking his message to the people, and through the public's involvement in and insistence on the promotion of real change in Washington, on Wall Street, and on the Main streets throughout the country, the momentum for the policies he desires, and the public demands, will mount.  As with FDR's fireside chats through the depths of the depression, the calm, confident voice of a strong, reassuring leader can override the opposition of political foes and of those who are fearful and resistant to change.  Hope does hang in the balance of the economic and political realities facing the nation as Obama begins his presidency.  A virtual "perfect storm" of financial woes has developed to immeasurably complicate his, and our, task.  We are, however, extremely fortunate to have a leader who seems remarkably and uniquely well equipped to lead the nation through its current realities to the brighter, more enlightened future that is envisioned in and inspired by our collective sense of hope.