Yes, He Can … But Maybe Not Today

YVONNE LEE
Co-Editor-In-Chief

In the months preceding Barack Obama’s November 2008 presidential election, the words “change” and “hope” became synonymous with the charismatic Senator. He told the nation “Yes, we can,” instilling in Americans a newfound interest in politics. “Obama-fever” swept the nation and enraptured the American people. Thanks to a record number of voters, first time voters and minority voters in particular, Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States.
A year later, we are still in an economic downward spiral. Nothing seems to be improving: the housing market is still in the dumps and we have the highest unemployment rate in 26 years. Obama’s approval rating continues to fall from February to December, it fell 15 percent, from 64 percent to 49 percent.
Obama has taken stands against job discrimination, hate crimes, growing economic class divisions, the war in Iraq and excessive deficit spending—amongst many other issues. He has championed many policies, most notably health care reform and the economic stimulus bill. The latter included the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program, which helped expand the national economy at a 2.8 percent annual rate. However, this small glimpse of light at the end of the dark tunnel of recession is apparently not enough reassurance for Americans.
As a society, we are obsessed with instant gratification. Our approach to weight loss is a prime example. Instead of properly dieting and exercising, Americans would rather go on outrageous crash diets consisting of only grapefruits or consuming experimental pills that assure immediate results.
The results expected of President Obama were unrealistic. We expected him to fix the housing crisis, end the Iraqi War, reform health care, capture Osama Bin Laden, find alternative fuel and resolve the problem of global warming. In six months. Maybe he’ll manage to fit in flying or walking on water in between all the world- saving too. Before his election, he was portrayed by the media and perceived by the public as more of a superhero than a presidential candidate. His celebrity endorsements, an Emmy award winning song made to a soundtrack of his speeches and iconic patriotic portraits played a vital role in the success of his campaign rather than acting as a complement to it.
The issue of his race also impacted  his election. Many Americans rejoiced at his exotic ancestry, seeing it as proof of America overcoming the barrier of racism. While it is absolutely amazing to see our nation elect its first president  of African-American descent, race should never be one of the deciding factors in determining a person’s capability. Obama voters should view it as, “I agree with Obama’s policies and viewpoints and it is great that I can elect a President of such a diverse ethnic background,” rather than “I’m going to vote for Obama because it’s about time we had a black President.”
When Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year, many viewed him as unmerited. They didn’t realize that Obama was being honored for his efforts to have peaceful relations with other nations. Many felt he didn’t deserve it, being only nine months into his first term of presidency. The same can be said of his dropping approval rating, even though he has another three years to enact his policies and make the changes he initially promised a reality.
However, this is not to say that he won’t make mistakes and fail, especially with some of the policies he has proposed, including the controversial Race to the Top education reform initiative. He is human after all. But, what Americans need to give him is the time and the chance.         Change does not come over night, especially the significant ones promised by Obama, but maybe with more time and faith from the American people, just maybe, yes, he can.