The Oracle

Issue date: 1/26/10 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Allison Osberg

President Obama has reached his first full year in office. On the campaign trail, in speeches that sent thrills up Chris Matthews' legs, and in that soaring inaugural address, we were led to believe he would be unlike any other President we have had before. Many of you bought it - hook, line and sinker. Watching "The Daily Show" and that Colbert guy to get your news has been known cause such strange voting behavior.

Obama supporters hoping for change must have been jumping for joy on election night. Out with Republicans and in with progressive Democrats. But let's remember that Obama's victory was much more a repudiation of George W. Bush than it was a mandate for a far-left takeover of the federal government. At that point, though, the ball was in his court.

With the country at his feet, Obama spoke to Congress and the nation in February to outline his goals. Most notably, he vowed to overhaul the health care system in favor of a public option. Thus began his steady decline in approval ratings. He didn't campaign on the public option, but instead beat around the bush by demonizing the insurance companies and making the debate about consumer choice.

Most of us remember the bailouts of 2008. The outcry from the public over propping up failing businesses seemed to resonate with many. It is worth noting that Obama, while in the Senate along with John McCain and a host of Republicans, voted for these massive bailouts.

Silly me for thinking this administration wouldn't continue the failed policies of Bush.

It's not just Conservatives who hold Obama in a less-than-favorable light. The über-left is ready to storm him with shovels and pitchforks because they feel he's not being radical enough.

One of Obama's earliest political feats was an anti-war speech in 2002 to the Illinois Senate. Now that he's in office, he's finding it much harder to play armchair general when the buck stops with him.

I think America has learned a valuable lesson. A teachable moment, if you will. Like it or not, the United States is still a center-right country. Obama's approval ratings have floundered, and if he stays the course, I think we can all look forward to a switch in parties in the White House in 2012.

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