While I embrace this New York Time's writer’s position on almost every level (an incredible feat in and of itself), Bill George's story falls short of the finish line in my humble opinion because he only refers to jobs. I understand the story focus is jobs; he lays out a strong premise with excellent support. But, three years later many Americans are awakening from a state of denial about Obama’s leadership, the country has quickly come to learn he isn’t one.
It is clear Obama has been the ultimate follower not a leader. A follower of committees, councils, focus groups, unions, community organizers, alleged religious leaders, foreign nations, international interests, U.S. Senators and Congressmen, Wall Street, you name it.
Talk is cheap. President Obama has exposed his share of political hot air with little to show for it. Golfing (over 60 rounds to date equaling two months of his time in office to date) during times of despair and tragedy (the Japanese tsunami), vacationing during domestic battles with natural disasters (Missouri tornadoes), you name it.
Two year ago, Mr. George wrote that the president was like the Roman god Janus, with two heads facing in opposite directions, as Mr. Obama the politician pulls against Mr. Obama the leader. Since 2009 George goes on to say, Mr. Obama the politician has prevailed, but time is running out for Mr. Obama the leader to implement policies that restore America’s economic competitiveness.
I say, time has run out. It’s time for bold decisions, unwavering commitment to American ideals and policies which align with those ideals. While the GOP field still appears to be taking shape, there are a few with guts willing to tell it like it is — coincidence they’re all women? I think not.
Michelle Bachmann is a bold candidate, she’s not scared to tell it like it, defend herself or her relentlessly maligned character. Not a "yes-woman" by nature, Bachmann has demonstrated to date that she is a principled, conservative candidate that if elected I hope can stave off and even make a dent in Washington’s culture of corruption. Sarah Palin (not yet running as of today's post) is another prospect. Love her or hate her, she’s the real deal. Palin has a ton for today's growing demographic of conservative women. I am convinced that she like Michelle Bachmann must have spines of Titanium.
Will American voters elect a woman in 2012? It’s hard to say but the future looks bright for a Bachmann or Palin or a male candidate of the same strength of character and commitment to principled leadership. As a country, we had the audacity (or ignorance) to elect someone with little to no track record on the merit of a “hope and change” campaign slogan while asking few questions of character or substance.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed reading Bill George’s NYT story. I rarely read the NYT and nod in agreement. My only regret is that the journalist didn’t extend the premise, even as a mention, to other areas of critical policy including national security, foreign relations, immigration, because it applies universally at this time. Regardless, George’s conclusion is right on. Instead of addressing these problems with policies that would solve them but might cause some political pain, President Obama continues to put politics over policy. The nation continues to suffer.
My conclusion: Obama is not a leader but continues to be POTUS by Committee.
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