President Obama is obviously a man of formidable intellect and boundless energy. Very few leaders have started off by dealing with as many different issues as he has at the same time and by choice at that. And even more admirable is the manner in which he has approached them - using a combination of analytics, judgement, lessons from history and seeking advice from different groups in forging a way ahead. And his PR machine which, though having starting problems has since seemed to have gotten its act together. BUT he has failed to do something very important that is critical in moving this nation forward.
Witness his response to the economic crisis or the manner in which he has led the reform on healthcare or the strategy on the two wars. All of them marked by a careful consideration of the options and the implications of each. None of the analysis lacked data or a theory of the case. And in particular with the economy, he has taken the right strategy - use Keynes to drive the economy out of trouble, fix some underlying problems and be friendly to the Chinese.
But he's missing out on a crucial element that is expected of him - that of being the Optimist in Chief!! He is a bit too serious and a bit too stern in his manner. As the President in today's times he has a duty to not only use his smarts - but also to be cheerful and radiate optimism - and not to wag a finger every time he gives a speech!! and that's where I fear he is failing!
I think he has forgotten that the American economy is built on expectations - and the hope that things wil be better in the future. When Obama speaks of the future - he speaks with a tone that suggests some admonishment - but then there is no followup with a cheery optimism - that is so essential to raising people's confidence. If only he did that - then consumers would start spending and banks would give start goving credit and the cycle would start slowly but surely. Mr President we like you - but we need more optimism from you. the people need it and deserve it.
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