Believe it or not, MSNBC ran some pretty powerful video of an Ohio focus group, made up of swing voters who had supported the President using some pretty uncomplimentary language to describe him:
According to previous supporters, Obama has "turned out to be just another politician"; "he's a big disappointment."
These people are pitiful in their disillusionment and disappointment, but frankly, it's hard to feel too sorry for them. After all, what did they really know about President Obamas's record before he moved into The White House? Did they realize he had been an Illinois state senator a scant four years before being elected the leader of the free world? Were they aware that he was the most liberal member of the US Senate -- which means he was to the left of Barbara Boxer, Teddy Kennedy, and self-described socialist Bernie Sanders?
Did they know that he had never run anything but a US Senate campaign (in which he ran largely unopposed) and a presidential campaign (in which he ran against John McCain -- so again, largely unopposed)? Did they realize he had no demonstrable "work product" from his life besides two books written about himself?
Or did they just know that he proclaimed admirable sentiments in a mellifluous voice with skillful rhetoric? And that "everyone" -- meaning the press and popular culture -- seemed to swoon over him?
At great cost, let's hope America's learned a valuable lesson. Though it can be fun to have a President who can make good speeches and seem cool, it's essential that s/he has a solid record of leadership and achievement in a position of responsibility; understands economics; and possesses at least a shade of realism and commitment to promoting American strength and interests in foreign affairs. Of course, just a little humility would occasionally be nice, too.
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