As CNN viewers and analysts have given out their assessment on the 2nd 100 days of the Obama administration, I would like to use this opportunity to weigh-in.
1. President Obama (overall) – C
I have to agree with 1 analyst: he should avoid delegating sensitive matters to congress, especially the liberal lions. They will probably be the ones costing him popularity points crucial for him to get legitimate genuinely good policies down for even a vote. He promised change but the reality is that his policies don’t sit well with even moderate blue dog Democrats.
2. Obama’s handling of the economy – C
At best, economic signs are pretty mixed. We don’t know which direction the next indicator will be headed next. Regardless of direction however, the bottomline is “How is main street feeling the it? Are jobs being created?” This reminds us of 2006 when the economy was doing well but a lot have implied that only the rich have felt it. Sure the recovery will be slow but that will also be the rate his approval rating will come back so he better hopes that the pains associated with this recovery is done well before the 2010 election season begins. Another concern is the debt. Be careful how he spends the money. Republicans have been kicked-out in 2006 and 2008 because of this and Democrats have been subjected to the same fate in 1994 as well.
3. Obama’s handling of health care reform – D
He has probably lost control over this signature debate by allowing the far left in congress to take-over policy crafting.
4. Obama’s handling of foreign affairs – B-
I perhaps will cut the President some slack here. His reign as president allowed foreign powers to look upon the US slight better. His biggest breakthrough for me was when North Korean prisoners Laura Ling and Euna Lee have been released. I have to agree though with an assessment with some analysts that Afghanistan is his biggest dragger in this category.
5. Secretary of State Clinton – B
Despite the bitter campaign season for the Democratic nomination, she happens to be one of the President’s strongest team players. She reminded the world that while it is her state department, she assures everyone that the policies in it are consistent with her boss’ ideas. Save for the North Korean prisoner release, she managed to keep her husband from having the spotlight when it wasn’t appropriate.
6. Vice President Joe Biden – C
I guess I have to say this: he should just open his mouth at an appropriate time saying the appropriate thing.
7. Each states 2 senators – C-
I can’t find a state where to judge senators but on the overall impression of the senate, democrats up for re-election next year as well as seats currently held by Democratic incumbents going to retire next year have to pull themselves together. I believe no Democrat has experienced a net gain the so-called “class 3” elections in by that time 24 years. They should not drift to the extreme of each wing.
8. Performance of Congress – D
Barack Obama should be lucky that there is a congress for which he can turnover writing laws to otherwise the public would say oust him today. It is becoming clear that after 2 successive gains for them, Democrats in the house are as unpopular as ever. Health care, very liberal policies in the stimulus and anything far left aren’t helping them. Nancy Pelosi should just let the moderates preside sometime. They can be pretty effective as peacemakers between the far left and what’s left of the right.
9. Performance of GOP members in Congress – D
Republicans aren’t helpful either. They live-up to their nickname as the “party of no.” It’s just safe to say that neither party at this time can make no difference the way things are going today.
10. Media – C
The media have become honest about the Obama administration lately. But they should avoid blowing-up the potential drama of instances like AH1N1.
My Politics and More 