Obama, the person

In this political season, the performance of Barack Obama is a frequent topic of conversation. The talk is usually based on how he has handled various issues, such as the economy or foreign policy.

I believe there is another way of evaluating Barack. Let’s consider how he stacks up as “a person.” On a grander perspective, does he display traits you match with proper presidential behavior, as distinguished from particular decisions? Closer to home, if he were a neighbor would you ask him over frequently for a glass of wine or dinner? Is it likely you would count him as a friend? Would the two of you be compatible on most issues (except religion and politics of course)?

Frankly, I can’t think of any basis on which I would want personal time with Obama. I don’t see a smidgeon of agreement between us insofar as personality and character is concerned. First off, he talks way, way too much. Can you just imagine an evening with Barack? There wouldn’t be an opportunity for an edgewise word. Even worse, his continual “rattling on” is all about how great he is, how much smarter he is than the rest of us. Who wants to endure an evening of non-stop self praise?

But, that’s not all. Barack fails every test of fundamental honesty I can think of. One expects a politician to bend the truth a bit when it suits him politically. Obama is the champion chameleon among such benders of truth. In reality, there is no need to listen to his voluminous words because they have no meaning. His positions on issues are as changeable as the weather. They totally reflect how he reads the political tea leaves that day. That is shamelessly true.

Most of us dare not claim to be infallible. Obama, on the other hand, has never been wrong, never! Everything that does not go well (and that’s most everything he does) he blames on someone else. His favorite target is George Bush, but he leans heavily on all Republicans for excuses for his personal failures. In fact, it is fair to say that anyone who disagrees with him automatically becomes an attack target, even radio host, Rush. Apparently, Barack believes it is impossible for anyone of such superior intelligence to be wrong.

But, my worst Barack irritation comes when he runs down our country. Perhaps it is because of my advancing years. Or, maybe my patriotic roots “act up.” But somehow, I became ingrained with the belief that America is exceptional among the countries of the world. I have no doubt Americans stand out worldwide for their generosity, their love of freedom, and their wish for the best for others. Obama continually apologizes for American actions to other countries, factions, and world leaders. That goes beyond annoying. It is distressing. His tendency to trash the country I hold dear is just too much.

So, in summary, I see no basis on which to agree with, let alone praise, our dear president’s personal traits. No, I would not choose him as a friend or neighbor. Frankly, I can’t wait for his reign to end with this one term. When he is finally gone from the presidential scene, my TV remote button will get a well deserved rest. I believe a job with Acorn would be right down his alley. Then he can buy his Chevy Volt, if he can find one for sale. And Michelle will have to pay for her vacations like the rest of us. I can’t wait for that day to arrive.

GOP letting Obama off the hook?

Obama is acknowledged by many as the worst president in recent memory. With such an opponent one would expect a relatively easy GOP win in November. To counter that happening, Obama’s political strategy is to assemble a large group of “Obama, no matter what” voters. Massive government entitlements have been doled out in all directions to guarantee return votes. The unions have been coddled by this administration like no other before. The black vote is totally racist, but automatic. Barack also plays to the Hispanic vote. The general theme is, “if you have a problem this administration will solve it for you.” Even with that solid group of likely voters, his general unpopularity continues to make him highly vulnerable.

Obama continues to help his opposition all he can. He apologizes and is “profoundly sorry” for the burning of the Qurans in Afghanistan. Americans can understand that such an act could be upsetting to Muslims. However, they fail to see why it calls for days of screaming riots and the killing of 40 people, including Americans. It gets especially hard to understand when, at the same time, Obama stomps all over the fundamental beliefs of the Catholics without apology.

Cornered by the rise in gas prices, Barack tells a bold face lie by saying he has supported domestic oil and gas drilling. And then, get this. With a straight face, he offers algae fuel as a solution to our energy problem. And the latest, he really is for the Keystone pipeline after all. Talk about a guy who may say absolutely anything no matter how absurd. Even his teleprompter must be growing a long nose.
But wait, the Republican candidates apparently want to give Barack a second chance. They continue to pound each other, and only in passing do they reference the massive Obama shortcomings.

None of the four candidates offers a clear and appealing presidential vision. About the best one can say about Romney is that he sounds like a nice guy and probably carries less damaging baggage than the others. However, it is hard to tell where he really stands on important issues. Gingrich? Please spare me an answer. Paul has some solid ideas on spending that unfortunately stand side by side with his “left field” positions on other issues. Santorum’s message gets muddled by his off-the-cuff preoccupations with social issues.

Americans care about the social stuff, but right now they are focused on what they see as more critical issues. The deficit, the economy, the desperate need to define a future America, and a plea to return to the concept of American exceptionalism all overwhelm social priorities. They also want a president who seems likely to promote American ideals to the world instead of apologies.

It’s not totally comforting to those of us praying for a Republican victory, but the best hope we have is that Obama will continue to be Obama. In our favor, he probably can’t help himself.

The GOP Death Wish

We have endured three years of abysmal performance by Barack Obama. He has tortured us with daily speeches that mirror his latest reading of the political winds. Making conflicting statements over time do not bother him at all. Many pundits have noted Obama has exceeded the previous record holder of “worst ever”, Jimmy Carter. His approval/disapproval ratings are in the high 40%.

Now, one would expect feedback of such negative performance would humble a normal person. Not Barack Hussein Obama! There is hardly any room left in the White House for others when Barack and his larger-than-life ego enter. His press photos display his favorite look of “do you have any idea how smart I am?” He interprets criticism of his efforts as our failure to understand the brilliance of his position.
His disastrous performance and his tiring ego-dominated speeches should combine to make his reelection very unlikely. For the GOP it should be like playing a 0-10 team late in the season, a piece of cake. His record is so bad, you would expect the Democrats to reconsider Barack as the 2012 Democrat candidate. Surely, Hillary would be a more formidable candidate.

But wait, “Bring in the Clowns,” the Republican candidates, that is. Are there no Republicans in the country that at least begin to look and sound like a president? Apparently there is not. Romney is totally uninspiring and believes his stent at Bain Capital should be enough of a qualification. There is no substance in his message and his speeches are totally bland. Newt comes to us from another time and era, and he looks and sounds like it. How he could get five minutes consideration is beyond me. Santorum makes a good speech but then presents a campaign message that doesn’t mesh with what he says. All in all, the group is completely uninspiring. Apparently in the tradition of past elections the Republicans are going to put forward a candidate that the electorate finds boring, much as they did with John McCain and Bob Dole.

After watching as much of the Republican debates as my stomach could tolerate I see a looming Obama victory on the horizon. It will be completely undeserved, but the Republicans offer no viable alternative. ObamaCare will now be extended beyond health care into all aspects of our lives. To Obama, it is only logical that he take over the remainder of our affairs. After all, he is smarter than the rest of us. How could we not go along?

Having vented my GOP frustrations, of course I will vote for whoever runs against Obama. Let us hope and pray he is up to the task.