This week's election of Barack Obama for U.S. president has set off an impressive surge of patriotism and excitement across the country. Even many of his political opponents have acknowledged the immensity of this moment in U.S. history.
But while there is a time and a place for "Obamamania," we must not get carried away. He is, after all, human - and a politician at that. Supporters and critics alike must continue to hold his feet to the fire. Americans should be pragmatic, acknowledging a good decision, regardless of whether it comes from a Democrat or Republican, while at the same time recognizing and pointing out poor choices.
Obama has already made several mistakes in his first three days as president-elect. First, during his acceptance speech, Obama used language that is frighteningly reminiscent of Bush's "us vs. them" worldview that has isolated entire societies. "To those who would tear this world down," Obama said, "we will defeat you." Second, he chose Rahm Emanuel as his White House chief of staff. The Chicago politician is known to be intense and abrasive. This is unlikely to foster the bipartisanship that Obama has promised. Furthermore, Emanuel's overtly pro-Israel position could hinder an already elusive Middle East peace agreement. Finally, Obama made an insensitive remark about Nancy Reagan in his first press conference on Friday. He has since apologized.
As Obama sets out on what, in all fairness, will be an incredibly challenging first term, Americans should exercise mental discipline by maintaining a supportive, yet watchful attitude. If you are a fan of Obama, please know that he would welcome such an approach. In fact, throughout his campaign, Obama was the epitome of discipline. His critiques were typically fair. He remained focused on the big picture and he never got carried away. The result was success. If you voted against him, be fair and productive in your criticisms. Find some common ground while at the same time maintaining a watchdog posture. Republicans will have front-row seats for an important job over the next four years: Holding the Obama administration accountable.
But in fact, it's everyone's job - even those still chanting "Yes we did!"
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Perspectives on current national and world events
Posts
About Me
- Patrick Mendis
- Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Dr. Patrick Mendis serves as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Osgood Center for International Studies and is a Visiting Scholar in Foreign Policy at the Johns Hopkins University’s Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C. An Adjunct Professor of Diplomacy at Norwich University and a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science, Mendis is an alumnus of the Harvard Executive Leadership Program at the Kennedy School of Government and the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. He and his family live in Virginia.
3 comments:
Sr. Sargent,
I agree with your point about accountability for Obama. I would point out that Rahm Emanuel is an understandable choice: Clinton era White House experience, from IL, young and energetic.
I am also quite sure that Obama will be reaching out to a number of Republicans in private. This will put those Republicans in a very interesting dilemma: accept a promotion and work to solve challenging problems, or put partisan politics ahead of ego and ambition. And how does the national Republican party react when one of their own goes to work for a Democratic president? Do they blast them as a traitor?
Patrick, good point about the Republicans. I think they would reject cooperating with the Democrats at their own peril. Obama's election shows, among other things, that Americans want to see both parties working together, especially given the magnitude of the challenges we face. That was part of Obama's message. While they would be wise to cooperate, the Republicans must simultaneously do some soul searching. As Fareed Zakaria said, "they must realize the world is changing and the old rules don't apply." Will the GOP reinvent itself? This will be one of the stories to follow in the coming years.
Great observation in your article, Todd. It seems to me that this should be our response to every president who is elected: once the election is over, drop the politics, support the president, but with a watchful eye. We seem to be very good at the watchful (even critical) eye, but it would be good to work harder on the support end of things.
Post a Comment