Typically, a new President has a honeymoon period; this is especially so with the gains that the Democratic Party made in the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. Traditionally this period has been limited to the first 100 days, but given the enormity of the problems facing this nation and the high hopes fostered by Obama’s rhetoric during the campaign, the time line may be hard to set. We have already seen in his Election Night Speech the laying of the groundwork to expect less than more. In short, the speech boiled down to “We’ll give it a try, and hope for the best!” And therein lies the problem. We have seen how the stock market reacts to uncertainty and indecision–not having a clear view and direction will add to its’ volatility. So hang onto your hats, folks, you are going on a heck of a financial roller coaster ride the likes of which you have never known!
It really doesn’t help to paraphrase Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech, although our present situation surely warrants the necessity of prayer, to make more palatable the bitter medicine that we might have to take during an Obama Administration. How much leeway the nation and the media will give to the first Black President is hard to say. The honeymoon period may be extended beyond 100 days given that so many are invested in his success. Additionally, it depends on the objectivity or lack thereof from the national media. Will it break out from the cryptic control and manipulation by the campaign to provide the needed percipient check on executive power?
But As For Me…
Expect that solutions and fulfillment of the campaign promises will be long in coming, if at all. The first reaction will be that the economic situation is worse than expected. Then there will be a call for patience and more sacrifice on the part of the American people. The last will be to admonish us that the bitter pill of his actions and decisions, however unpopular, are deemed necessary for the health of the nation.
The new mantra may well be: Yes we can, but maybe we won’t!
