Articles

Obama Outsources His Presidency

April 29, 2009

While officials in the Obama White House dismissed yesterday's "100 Days" anniversary as a "Hallmark Holiday," they understood it was what sociologist Daniel J. Boorstin called a "pseudo-event." By that, Boorstin meant an occasion that is not spontaneous but planned for the purpose of being reported -- an event that is important because someone says so, not because it is.

What happens in a president's first 100 days rarely characterizes the arc of the 1,361 that follow. Jimmy Carter had a very good first 100 days. Bill Clinton did not.

Still, a president would rather start well than poorly -- and Mr. Obama has a job approval of 63%. That leaves him tied with Mr. Carter, one point ahead of George W. Bush, and behind only Ronald Reagan's 67%. Four of the past six presidents had approval ratings that ranged between 62% and 67%, a statistically insignificant spread.

Mr. Obama is popular because he is a historic figure, has an attractive personality, has passed key legislation, and receives adoring press coverage.

However, there are cautionary signs. Mr. Obama's policies are less popular than his personality, the pace of polarization with Republicans has proceeded faster than ever in history, and independents are thinking more like Republicans on the issues and less like Democrats.

The first 100 days can reveal a pattern of behavior that comes to characterize a presidency. In this respect, there are two emerging habits of Team Obama worth watching.

FULL ARTICLE: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124105268584271249.html

Related Article

3d5ac0bdda3c1ed0d606cff5bd41a92c
October 09, 2025 |
Article
There’s so much happening, it’s overwhelming—for news junkies watching events unfold and for the White House trying to manage it all. ...
00a48e374a896626bf94161e12457fd0
September 25, 2025 |
Article
It looks as if we’ll have another government shutdown. On Friday House Republicans passed a continuing resolution to fund the government. In response, Senate Democrats demanded that the resolution extend Biden-era ObamaCare subsidies that soon expire. ...
D1cab95d81fde6d0a02f815b78ac93b8
September 18, 2025 |
Article
It has been a sad, sickening week for America. Our country witnessed a terrible event. A young man was gunned down doing what he loved—debating all comers on a college campus on behalf of his passionately held beliefs. ...
4cef5f0e9ca9889e328da780a78d0636
September 11, 2025 |
Article
Mike Rogers seeks to win the party a seat for the first time since 1994. ...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance