Where has the Obama 'magic' gone?
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Some Democrats are calling it the "Obama hangover."
Even with President Obama on the campaign trail, at fund-raising events and taping TV ads for many state and local candidates - it seems like the electricity of the 2008 campaign is a distant memory.
The Los Angeles Times reports how much tougher it is to get people fired up to volunteer and vote Democrat this time around. And, as President Obama tries to address health care, the economy and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq - some of his decisions may not sit well with voters at the local level.
A lot of eyes are on the races for governor in New Jersey and Virginia; and a congressional race in upstate New York's 23rd district.
With election day a week away - things aren't looking so hot for Democrat Creigh Deeds in Virginia... One new poll shows him trailing Republican Bob McConnell by 11 points. Meanwhile - White House officials have been complaining about the quality of Deeds' campaign... gee, think they're trying to distance themselves from him?
In New Jersey - polls show Democrat incumbent Jon Corzine leading his Republican challenger Chris Christie... but one survey finds 73 percent say a campaign appearance by the president wouldn't affect their vote.
Meanwhile - Pollsters say it's conservatives who are most energized this time around. And Republicans are already describing any victories in these elections as a referendum on President Obama... claiming it could be a sign of things to come in next year's midterms.
Here’s my question to you: When it comes to upcoming state and local elections, where has the Obama "magic" gone?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
C.M. from Los Angeles writes:
The magic is gone because all of the energy we spent on hope and change turned out to be wasted. We were told that the things we believed in would happen if we just got a majority in Congress and a Democratic president. Well now, we have the entire health care bill being rewritten to accommodate one Republican and they’re whining that it is too hard to govern because Bush left a mess. At least Bush acted like a president, and he pushed through what he believed in.
Amanda from New Jersey writes:
If Corzine doesn't win in New Jersey, it's not a referendum on Obama, who is wildly popular in this state. It's about an unhappy state dealing with an unhappy economic situation.
Jerry from Georgia writes:
The magic died along with the promises of how things were going to change. The only thing that is now transparent is Pres. Obama. He can talk the talk, but doing the walk requires action and not words. Absent or abstain are not an options when you are the leader.
David from San Diego writes:
It was never there. He is an intelligent, thoughtful policy leader, not a party-based cheerleader. He is "a serious man" whom the Republicans are trying as hard as possible to destroy. The GOP has nothing going for it except a rabid 40-percent of the population making itself into a clownish stereotype. Time will tell.
Tina in Texas writes:
Ask the Republicans who are cheering that he is sinking in polls. The main thing that has helped kill his after-glow is that the jobs are not back or not being created. If he can create the jobs and get our folks back to work, his numbers will come back and then some.
Nellie writes:
Word got out about the snake oil. Time to move to a new town.
Eva writes:
Magic? Come on, Jack! He's the president, not Jesus. He can only do so much.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Where Did It Go Jack It went to Washington .And In Washington there is no magic no Santa Claws and no ester bunny only lobbyists.
Didn't you know that ..
Sorry I could not help my self .
Ron San Antonio TX
All politics are local Jack.
Well, if all the minorities and disatisfied bush haters cannot be relied by OBAMAMANIA to vote that really does say alot...either the election was all about electing a AA or people had no idea who to vote but but went with the popular candidate.
El Paso, TX
Hope is that small creature that eventually evolves into Assurance. The proverbial Pandora's Box spoke of Hope as weakly crawling out last behind the Evils that quickly flew into the World, but while their growth was fixed, Hope could grow into something far more powerful with time, but it needs to fight for it's place in the World.
Obama should take the advice given to him by Veteren Reporter Helen Thomas, in refering to his book "The Audacity of Hope."
"You've given us hope, Mr. President. Now show us the audacity."
Their was such high drama with everybody running around on adrenelin during the Presidential Race that people got wore out. No way you can maintain that kind of enthusiasm for very long. Plus, it's always a let down when people realize that a President can't snap his fingers and get what he wants just because he's in the Oval Office. It's a different ball game.... Yeah, the GOP will make up some ground during the mid terms.... What else is new
But, For my money, Barak will be fine. By 2012 we will be back in fairly good shape economically and I think he will figure something out with the Iraq and Afghan mess that makes sense.
He's still the smartest guy in the room. Well, he along with Barney Frank.
Product claims that seem too good to be true usually aren't true. 53% of America bought the 'new and improved' Democrat only to find that it's a lemon. If you think it's bad now, wait until 2010.
Hi Jack
Barack Obama is a fantastic President and is doing things right.This is difficult for undereducated people to understand. The majority of the GOP are simply greedy at the expense of the poor. There is no such thing as magic. I strongly suggest that the people of the U.S.get it together after eight lousy years. The BRIC countries are moving ahead in an orderly fashion.We are rooting for you.
Jack, What magic? If Obama was a magician he would make conservatives disappear for good. The President never had any magic but what he does have is common sense. The president knows that slow and steady wins the race and doing things right the first time is the best thing. If some democrats loose local state election will not be a referendum but just the will of the people who might be fed up with the incumbent.
The president will have his Healthcare bill signed into law which it will be a major accomplishment. And a guarantee of 27 million voters voting for him and the democrats in the coming years. With 27 million voters in his corner already, plus all left leaning libs and even some independents, Obama does not have to panic. No left leaning lib will ever vote for a republican and 27 million voters will remember the GOPS "no" stance.
Slow and steady will show Americans what true leadership is and once again show why we voted for him.
Our president should has the ability TO CLEAN THE MESS instead of BLAMING THE MESS, right?
I was a long time democrat (15 years) and just swiched to Independent because I was so frustrated by what OBAMA did. He seemed to have very very thin skin; he seemed to has no clue; he did prove his ability to GOVERN instead of CAMPAIGNING all the time. Do we elect a president to CAMPAIGN? Or do we elect a president to GOVERN? This is a very serious problem with OBAMA.
This shouldn't be surprising, all the good intentions and powerful speeches hit a wall that is congressional bickering, lobbyist distortions and partisan politics. 10 months of that nonsense, shake, stir and you got yourself a woozy of a hangover.
It was never there. He is an intelligent, thoughtful policy leader, not a party-based cheerleader. He is "a serious man" (cf. Coen and Coen film) whom the Republicant's are trying as hard as possible to destroy. The GOPhers have nothing going for them except a rabid 40% of the population making itself into a clownish stereotype. Time will tell.
I think a lot of people have become disillusioned with the entire political process. How much does my vote really count when EVERY SINGLE MEMBER of congress from BOTH parties are receiving millions of dollars from large corporations behind the scenes. The stench is palpable, even from here.
Willard
Canon City, CO
Hey Jack....don't believe the hype.
You know the Republican Mantra.....keep repeating something as if it were the truth.....and people will start to believe it.
A little known African American JUNIOR Senator with a funny name became the most powerful Leader in the World.
Don't hear that from the Right, do you?
Everyone knows that the GOP has alot of criticism.....and no solutions.
Lets wait for the fat lady to sing before we start assuming the Magic is gone.
Hi Jack,glad you're back.
After all the time, money,energy and lies the right-wing of the GOP and FOX News have channeled to scuttle President Obama's progressive agenda,the still high unemployment rate and painfully slow progress on healthcare reform among other things,it's no wonder that in state and local elections where all of the above impact directly on the attitudes and lives of americans,the Obama 'magic' has gradually vanished albeit unlike the Sarah Palin 'magic'. The 'magic' in President Obama's coat-tails should return to what it was a year ago by next summer or next fall when the job market rebounds and health care reform has long been signed into law.
The "magic" has gone the way of the "rabbit in the hat". That's okay though because it won't be magic that pulls this country back up again. It will be hard work, vision and a calm, thoughtful President – we've got that and we'll get where we need to go in order to rebuild our country.
With (to name a few reasons):
– A lack of transparency;
– Rising unemployment; and
– A health care reform debacle
I would say it went out the window.
Maybe if all that smiling and waving and talk of change actually turned into something tangible people would still have some energy. Instead, all those that just thought Obama was going to wave his maigc "Hope and Change" wand and make all their problems disappear are realizing that talk is cheap. Reality is playing out differently. People are losing their jobs at a steady and we are far beyond that 8.5% unemployment rate his bogus stimulus plan was supposed to keep us from. What exactly is there to be fired up about when in parts of the country one 1 in 5 people is underemployed or unemployed? People want results, not hollow promises.
No only the media's and public's patience. Undoing the guano left by mostly Republican administrations since Reagan won't be fixed overnight.
The *magic* faded with the disconnect between President Obama's patriotic|American campaign rhetoric in 2008 and his actual follow-through (or lack thereof) in 2009.
In short, he has demonstrated himself to be a Socialist–and, frankly, there's no magic in that. It's not *AmericaL* at all. 😉
Your answer lies in your question: Fad and infatuation soon pass and magic exists only as an illusion.
I am independent and will be voting progressive and I think we need to get our butts in gear to keep up progressive voter turn-out.
The problem is contentment. People who are angry will tend to turn out in droves because they are trying to cure their discomfort. People who are content don't feel quite so driven to take an action but tend to sit where they are hoping things stay good for awhile. This worked in Obama's favor during the Presidential election.
Progressives might be a little disappointed that change comes slowly, but they/we're still patient and hopeful that the change we want will arrive and are willing to wait for actions to come to fruition.
But that patience is not the same as a fire in the belly that will drive people out to the polls, and by being complacent progressives will lose congressional seats, even if our sentiments are in the majority.
Make no mistake, the regressive luddites who lead this nation to the brink of ruin, and the minions who elected them, are STILL OUT THERE. If progressives don't stay mobilized for this election, we'll be under the thumbs of barbarians again.
You think the GOP is the party of "no" now, just wait to see if they gain enough seats to actually block a vote instead of the house and senate allowing them to screw up a bill out of social courtesy.
Jack, when President Obama had to spend billions of dollars right after he took office to halt the complete collapse of the economy caused by years of Republican economic policy, he lost many independents. Remember, though, predicting based on early poll numbers can leave you with egg on your face.
Patience Jack, Rome wasn't built in a day. President Obama can not dig us out of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression and end two wars in just a few month. He is working on the problems and is making slow but steady progress. That is a better solution than believing in MAGIC.
Jack,
Eventually everyone wakes up and see's the truth. This administration has its own agenda and it is not in the best interest of the American Public. And Magic that always was an an illusion.
He is showing his true nature. Run to the left to capture the dope smokers votes in the primaries. To the center to capture the independents. Once elected he feels free to show the lying fraud and bully thug he really is.
NO Jack If all the bulies let him do his job America would already have been better. You just remember me He will be in History for the best succeful President in USA..After he finish Bush's mess and he will.
Gosh I love this guy just like he is my own son,I have such a deep feeling that what he is doing is not for Politics but for the good of the Country,and I am Greek.
Jack,
Obama hasn't lost his magic, he is still a fantastic speaker, he still energizes a ralley, but that doesn't mean squat in local and state politics. If my local politicians want my vote THEY have to impress me I'm already impressed by President Obama given the plate he was handed. But his 'magic' doesn't rub off on local or state politicians who don't take care of the local or state concerns.
Luwanna Guysville Ohio
Jack: The Obama magic continues: he has accomplished a great deal without drawing extreme attention. The magic right now is that the banks are somewhat stable, the stock market is coming back, people are getting the chance to buy cars, first time homeowners are getting to buy homes, kids are getting financial aid that gives them the chance to go to college. And soon, we'll have health care reform. That's not only magic, it's miraculous!
I'm an independent Voter......always have been and I voted for Obama however this President is beginning to really scare the hell out of me and the Magic that once was is now very much gone. One thing for sure I will not be voting for anyone who supports this Presidents policies in future elections. I had hoped this President would operate from the center in a bi- partisin way however this, in my view, has not been the case. He is farther left than I could have ever had imagined. Like many voters I too was fooled by his Charisma. I should have stayed with Hilary but like eveyone else I joined the party. This man has no humility what so ever and if I hear him say one more time that he "Blames the past administration" I'm going to throw up. That line is getting old fast. Totaling dismantling our current health care system in favor of a Government system is wrong in my view.
Give Obama eight (8) years before final judgments... This idiot country gave Bush & Co. that long to make our current mess yet expects miracles when the current Congress is just BARELY in the majority of Obama supporters. What a number of impatient twits. Put more Democrats in office, not less. Then just maybe, good, quick actions will be seen.
p.s. Replace Democrats with new Democrats next year... don't even THINK about putting Republicans back in the hen house!
psv Crossville, TN
The novelty has worn off. He hasn't done many of the things he promised and may not be able to live up the the larger than life image he created of himself. The guy is only human and young at that. Maybe he really wasn't ready for this job yet and the American voters should have chosen age and wisdom over trendy.
The "OBAMA MAGIC" will only work, when three things happen.
1. He get's Reid and Poloski out of there.
2. He stops trying to play in the sand box with people who don't even seem to care about those who put them in office.
3. He looks back at the tapes and is reminded what he promised us out on the campaign trail.... You know Rob Emanuel is not always correct. (where is Biden's lips on this... come on Joe say it you know you want to!!!!!)
if corperate america has itsay the country will stay in the 20th century but there profits will be in the 21st
Magic is an illusion, and if anyone thinks Obama can just wave a magic wand and make all our trouble go away, then they are dillusional. The Illusion of an instant cure is waning and their are going to be political repercusions. This is not Obama fault, he has always stated that real change will take time to achieve, but people would rather live with their illusion of the instant cure than listen to Obama.
The same place where the price of my house has gone, my retirement savings has gone, my job has gone, the economy has gone, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have gone......DOWN THE DRAIN !!
Why should Obama's magic be any different ??!! His "magic" is just following the entire economy.
He can depend on his persuasive speech "magic" for only so long. And so far this year he has really accomplished NOTHING !!
How about the reality that we as a nation have to face tough changes and anyone accepting the status quo on healthcare, education and energy are simply sucking out any hope for this nation to not only recover but thrive once more! As I listened to the women's conference, Holiness Dalai Lama said it best something along the lines of : we will change the world when we change inside first. To me this applies to men and women.
I am an independent voter (former Democrat) who voted for Corzine for governor and at the time I believed he would be helpful to the financial crisis we were in then. Silly me, what was I thinking. I voted for Obama and although I am not thrilled with the way things are playing out now, I have not lost faith that he can do the job. That said, there is nothing that Obama could say, even if he called me personally, that would make me vote for Corzine. Bottom line, he is a terrible governor and my vote is going for the independent candidate. I am hoping there isn't one person left in my state who vote for Corzine and/or Christie because a politician said they should.
Foley, al. Into a sea of dissillusion....
Jack, what we are seeing is not an Obama Hope “hangover,” it’s the shock and awe from realizing since the election just how “Bush” wacked we are after 8 years of Bush. Voters know the economy, lost jobs, two Wars, oil dependency and global warming problems left behind by that Dope will take Obama more than his first 9 months in office to repair, but as Ted Kennedy said, “the Hope still lives.”
Obama has been on TV too much. And he has responded to too many petty events. Ex – Fox! That necessary distance between the President and the people has just about disappeared.
He needs to go in his office, shut the door and shut up for a while! I love hime, voted for him, want him to succeed. He just must go away for a while – make us miss him!
Hello Jack. That's a tough question because there are so many different possibilities. 1. the Republicans have lead a very good all out attack on any kind of bi-partisan work to solve any serious problem we face as a nation. 2. The stock market is up but the the unemployment is also rising fast. What the President inherited was utter chaos and won't be fixed in 10 months maybe not even in ten years and Americans fears and inpatients are rising. But in my opinion the worst thing we can do is but back in power the very same people i.e. (republicans) who have put us on the current path to destruction through tax breaks for the wealthy, Deregulation of the financial Institutions, and unlimited protection for health ins companies while forgetting the needs of everyday Americans The out of touch party of no is winning the propaganda war Sad To Say
The magic is gone because the press is not brainwashing the zombies out there to support Obama like they did in 2008.
Whatever the press giveth, the press will take it away. Poor people get duped pretty easy. Obama zombies are getting ready for Holloween, CNN needs to fleave them alone. .
Magic? Magic? Obmua's Magic......The Buffoon fools you all and now "we" are seeing the light. His magic went back to Kenya!
That's what happens when a candidate gets elected based on being a smooth talker but with no substance behind him. Sooner or later it catches up with him.
The newness and excitement of a new president have settled down. Now, we are watching and supporting his attempts to get our country back on it's feet.
There is enough chaos on the republican side with their trying to destroy our president and our country. We do not need magic, we have and faith and trust for a man who is sincere, caring about the future of us and our country,
Despite your attempts, Jack, to try to derail everything he does.
The Obama magic is alive & well, & living in the White House, as evidenced by the hoards who flock to see him wherever he goes. Despite the best efforts of CNN, Fox "News", & the rest, to try to persuade us otherwise, he's still got it. There is worldwide love & admiration for President Obama. As for the elections, if Americans vote for a candidate just because of a Presidential endorsement, John McCain would be living in the White House. (Now THERE'S a scarey thought!) He's not some sort of guru, Rev. Moon, or Rasputin. He's our President. (By the way, do you think we'll ever learn not to trust the results of polls & questionaires? Maybe that would be a good question for Wednesday's blog.) Americans aren't the smartest people in the world, (8 YEARS of "W"), but I think they're smart enough to think back to November, & how ecstatic they were to finally be rid of the DO NOTHING PARTY, which only gets worse. They still lie to us, but now we know better than to believe ANYTHING they say. (Death panels, INDEED!)
Obama needs to do a Robocall to those in N. VA who voted for him. If he does, there will be turnout and the magic will be right there.
The reality is Jack, state and local issues are determined more by the local person in power than who is campaigning for them. Issues will be dealt with by local politicians not federal ones so it's more important to get the local election right and that's true all over the country. That's not a negative reflection on Obama, but at the end of the day he goes home and we still have to deal with the issues. The other reality is that governing is hard, often nasty work that requires electing the best person to do the job, not someone being touted by the Feds.
What really worries me is people don't remember waking up and finding out what really was going on in the White House for the last eight years because it was kept under wraps until the economy dropped like a thud. That big business was robbing us blind, corruption in the banking and mortgage business, our jobs all sent overseas for bigger profit , taxes lowered for the rich and taxes raised on the middle class, and we found we had gone to war in the wrong country just to name a few things. And after eight months with President Obama we want to blame him and go back to the party of greed. WOW! talk about brain washing... and this time around Republicans are going to do what...? I think I just woke up! and I saw stupid and it's us...
We're an A.D.D. group. That's why we're tired of Iraq and Afghanistan and HOPE. We are tired of Balloon boy, the Palins and the swine flu. We get bored easily.
Boise
The magic is still there – it is only the Neocons and their mouthpieces that don't see it.
He appears to be a 'One trick wonder'.
Now that the 'Blame Bush' routine has begun to wear thin, and He has no accomplishment of his own to offer, He's left with just His limp wand.
Obama is only good at talking but lack no action. So far he has not accomplish anything that he promised during his campaign. He has to walk the talk. So far he just talks. He is just a PAPER TIGER. No back bone.
Kudos to Obama for reprimanding the use of wedge-issue-politics in campaign advertising. I wish he had called McDonnell out as well, since he's no saint in this regard either.
Obama magic really only applied to Obama himself. If the Senate and the House saw some red seats turn blue last November, they have only the Bush administration and its abhorrent policy-making to thank.
Republicans will indeed narrow the partisan gap in state and local elections coming up, as they will in next year's mid-terms, but that's a rather normal evolution of democratic politics. An incumbent president often sees the loss of his/her own party's seats, and that's part of the wondrous, teetering balance that is a two-party-system.
Republicans would be remiss to chalk this up as a "referendum on Obama". Rather, it's a referendum on joblessness nationwide, which causes a knee-jerk allergy to taxation going back to times immemorial. With state budgets in the red across the land, state- and local-governments are turning to taxation for economic recovery, and Obama's and his "socialist agenda of redistributing wealth" is taking the hit. Magic or no magic, Obama can't save everyone's campaign. He'll be busy worrying about his own before long.
– Josh, Folcroft, PA
Jack, the Obama magic may be weakening, but the conservatives still have one enormous problem: The things they have to do and say to maintain their base absolutely alienate the other 60 to 75% of the population. This is a big problem for conservatives. The wonderful thing about American politics is we get to find out the real answer Nov 2010. I can't wait.
It seems gone because he is trying to do too many things at once, unlike Bush who was on vacation most of his presidency.
Jack,
Obama is one of the most energizing and dynamic campaigners the country has ever seen, but is an average politician and president.
The magic has been replaced by the feeling that we were suckered by all the hope and change claims, such that we honestely believed that he was going to do what he campaigned on, including bringing the troops home, closing Gitmo, fixing the economy and actually doing something productive on health care rather then his current plan of "bring me a bill, any bill so I can sign something" attitude. Now, the war drags on, soldiers are dying for what and the bill to continue the pittance of unemployment is going nowhere. Meanwhile, Obama has become a major disappointment and as the old saying goes, "fool me once shame on you, do it twice shame on me." I am now re registered as an independent.
Like all marriages, with reality comes disappointment. But if we hold on, have faith in the man we married, and keep our doubts to ourselves we may just find out love can grow again.
Reality has set in. Barack Obama is not the "moderate" he pretended to be during the campaign. He is the far left liberal that those who actually got over their infatuation with this guy knew he was all along. There were all kinds of promises made during the campaign including transparency, getting rid of lobbyists, and being a uniter that he has proven he in no way intends to keep.
It's dark times, I tell you Jack, dark times. That nasty old Cheney used the Imperio curse on Obama.
It's gone down the tubes along with the insane notion that Democrats should listen to anything Republicans want, care about, or think.
If Obama wants to earn any respect from the many who helped elect him he needs to ignore the Republicans who obstruct what we elected him to do, and prosecute the Republicans who are responsible for the mess we are in.
Republicans see this as a Civil War without "gun play" and until Obama see's it the same way and acts on it the same way I am going 3rd party-period.
You want to call it magic, I call it what it was, a sham,fraud a big fat lie. The bloom is off this flower and the people are beging to see the truth, I mean the ones that didn't want to belive it, well see what you got now, it's time to take america back from the people that want to take what you've worked for and give it away, all the while hoping to make you feel guilty for what accomplished with YOUR hard work, well I can tell you I don't feel one bit guilty, thank you
As much as people don't want to admit it – there are a lot of voters who hate the idea we have a black president. The "Obama Magic" has not evaporated, it's the conservative haters who are looking for instant gratification, hoping Mr. Obama will disappear, while chomping at the bit with undue criticisms because they can't stomach anything Pres. Obama represents. Americans need to give Mr. Obama as much latitude as they gave Geore W Bush during his first 9 months in office,when he vacationed, vacationed and vacationed.
The problem, Jack, is that the American public has been trained to have an attention span of about 30 seconds. President Obama is working on programs that will take years to come to fruition, and his public expected him to wave a magic wand a fix everything in the first 100 days.
The Obama magic is still there. The problem is that the republicans have held a death grip on any progress. The other side of the coin is that Queen Nancy and Prince Harry are all but incompetent in the legislative process. Unless a miracle happens, there will be several Democratic members of Congress on the dole. Pity, such an opportunity wasted.
Well, Jack, I never thought of President Obama as having "magic". Barack Obama came along at just the right time, when Americans were sick and tired of the Liar Bush; when we were watching our economy tank, the greedy on Wall Street & the Banks getting bailed out; two wars that did not have to be fought. And Barack Obama came along and told us things could be better and different.
No magic, just inspiring words instead of an idiot; hope instead of fear; truth instead of lies; caring instead of hate!
The GOP 2008 campaign was the most vitriolic I have ever witness. GOP did everything to cause us to hate Obama, fear Obama, and tear us up as a Nation into the "real Americans" and those "anti-Americans"....... we were all sick and tired of the Bush Regime and having our Patriotism questioned because we did not want the wars!
The GOP continue their vile ways, and Americans will continue to reject the hate, lies, fear and division.
It isn't even a year and people are worried about the "Obama majic". Do some checking and you would find that a lot has been done. What really gets me is that so many in the media seem to feel that his having so much time on various TV shows and other means of trying to explain what he is trying to accomplish is hurtring his immage. These are the same ones that are questioning the transparentcy of his administration. He could be hiding in the White House (or Texas) like Bush did for 8 years.
He is doing fine and it will continue to get better.
The magic was stabbed in the back by an ineffective and downright confrontational congress. When Senators like Lieberman attempt to scuttle a public option that over 60% of the people in his state want, then what chance does the President have?
I don't remember electing Olympia Snowe or the "conservaDems" for President. Yet health insurance reform is being held hostage to appease a single senator from a state with a smaller population than my city.
It doesn't matter what Obama wants to do, Congress is a joke and it most assuredly is laughing at us, and not with us.
The Obama affect is still Alive and Well. But we as democrats seem to be soo loving, relaxed, social people which distracts us from the importance of constantly getting out to vote which will have a great impact on our lives.
On the other hand, the selfish, greedy, mean spirited Republicans stay riled up over power and money. Which is why they are even a factor in our politics.
Republicans are calling anything, anything negative a referendum on Pres. Obama, Its all a game, self-full filling prophecy, to try to get momentum on any tiny thing.
Lets see Gietner Summers the same old story hand money to big banks and screw main street. Why are there no hearings or investigations about the ongoing theft of the US treasury.Obama is the same ol same ol.
Jack: I know you and the Republicans will try to make a mountain out of a molehill, but surprise,surprise, everyone does not love Barack Obama. I think in the end if a candidate for political office needs another person's charisma to get elected he is in trouble. If either of these candidates lose why is it Barack Obama's fault? The last time I checked there are still a lot of Republican voters in this country. It stands to reason that some Republican candidates are going to get elected to office. Are you going to say that it is Obama's fault every time a Democrat loses to a Republican. I know that the Republicans are trying to grasp on to any glimmer of hope that they will eventually get their power back, but please give it a break already. Barack Obama does not have the power that you people in the media have anointed him with. He is just another human being like the rest of us. Find something else to write about.
Even though I do NOT agree with the Afghanistan war, I believe President Obama is doing the very best considering the mess this country is in. President Obama took the helm of a ship that has run a ground without any fuel. Therefore, it will take years before we recover. When the stock market crashed in 1929, it took until 1956 before it resumed the level before the crash. That was almost 30 years.
Large corporate America has been gathering power over the past 50 years. This is not entirely Bush Administration’s fault; however, the Bush Administration with deregulation of everything finally pushed us over the edge allowing Large Corporate American to take full control.
I assume it is very ugly in Washington. No president can control this mess. He will need all of our support! Here are some suggestions:
1. Make lobbyists illegal
2. Never bail out any bank or corporation. Let them all fall. Then pick up the retirement for the lower administration and line workers.
3. Learn from China. We need to Export more and wage war less. We need to bring money into this country, not give it away.
4. Create public option health care for all legal Americans
It has been sucked into the void that is created in Congress by people who benefit directly from inaction and the status quo.
But it's right there, Jack. Don't let the smoke & mirrors fool you. He's better than The Great Oz. He's bigger than The Great Pumpkin. Now don't be messing with his mojo and get off his back.
I got my house loan in the subprime lending times 2006, my interest rate is almost 10%.
I filed for the Obama Modification plan early feb 2009. I keep calling every two weeks. I am still waiting, And you ask where has Obama's magic gone.
Plano, Tx.
There never was any magic if one had some experience working w/people and could see through the smoke and mirrors.
If the election was held today Obama would receive 42% of the vote per Rasmussen Poll.....America has "got it' now, however it is too late.
Joanne
Mn
Really Jack?! Why can't you just give the guy a break? The President will need some magic to fix all the problems of the Bush Administration!
Turns out Hillary Clinton was right; you only get speeches from the Chosen One. After the countless gaffs of choosing tax cheats into his cabinet, pretending not to know about the AIG bonuses (waited 3 days to comment), and allowing this healthcare debate to spiral out of control, his lack of experience and leadership is evident.
His magic is in his ability to rally a crowd, not produce results. And now that the country is looking for results, we have an empty suit leading the way.
I did not know Obama was running in the upcoming state and local elections ? In 3 years let see who the Republicans run against him.
Behind all magic, reality lurks.
It hasn't "gone" anywhere. Just pure hype, right wing spin, media meddling. That's all. Another in a continuing assault on a president by those of the other party desperate to regain their hold on the economy and government. If indeed we, the American public, have lost confidence, respect, or hope of Obama as president in the short span of 10 months, while knuckling under to a consummate incompetent administration, for eight long years with no outrage or contempt, then maybe we deserve a Palin, McCain or Gingrich. More has been accomplished by the current administration in ten months than in the past ten years. He has four years. Give them to him.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
I think it's very hard to continually defend and defend lies that are being spread about him and the administration, such as he is a communist, socialist, anti-American, etc. The fact that some people actually believe that is deafening, and it sucks the energy out of any rational debate or rational thinking on any of the real issues.
hangover? non. thisis just a typical reaction from the voters. Today, republicans are better off when they are not in control of the capital hill. I think Obama would have been better off if we were to replace the democrats to republicans and vice versa. By now, he would have past all the bills he needed.
His "magic" is still there with those of us smart enough to realize HE cannot change everything, or make everything better!
If those fuddy-duddies in ci=ongress would get with the program and quit wrangling like a bunch of school kids, change would take place and things would begin to recover. But no, they fight tooth and nail every step of the way.
I say, let's get rid of ALL of them and get some movers and shakers in the congress who will get our country back on track!
Then they could ALL claim some of the magic!
The magic is gone because all of the energy we spent on hope and change turned out to be wasted. We were told that the things we believed in would happen if we just got a majority in Congress, then if we just got a democratic president, well now, we have the entire health care bill being rewritten to accomodate one republican and whining that it is too hard to govern because Bush left a mess. At least Bush acted like a president, and he pushed through what he believed in. Here, its unity or nothing and meanwhile the country keeps going futher down the tubes. Call me unimpressed with the great speech reader who can't get the job done!
There never was any Obama Magic.
As one great American once said "You can fool some of the people – all of the time; all of the people – some of the time; but you CAN'T fool all of the people – all of the time."
Obama is a magnificent speaker – with absolutely no substance!
He deceived the American people once – he will not be able to do that again. Americans did not vote for the kind of Administration that Obama ended up delivering.
He and his radical left wing nut cases need to go...wake up America!
The magic is still there, Jack! The President is still the best thing that this country has seen since sliced bread! But people expected too much, too soon. He is after all, human. Has that been forgotten? He has restored the dignity lost these long 8 years. It's kind of like we were in the wilderness. As far as the upcoming elections are concerned, let's wait till next week when the results are in. And by the way, anyone who votes Republican, needs some serious medication!
I have seen twelve presidents come and go. I believed because of his inexperience, Obama would be better, not just another politician.I don,t think it matters what political party is in power, It,s the same old politics.This is why many don,t take the time to vote.
Hey, it was not the "Obama Magic". it was the "American Magic." We voted so now the President will make it all better? The people need to continue the movement started with Obama's election. If the people want change then we have to initiate it. Example: What if 150 million Americans refused to pay their credit cards! Seriously! What are they going to do? They instill fear in you and I say instill it right back. Stop paying the companies that got all the money in the bailout. We need to act "as a people." Electing Obama reiterated that we can exact change as a united people. Now, lets keep acting like the force of this nation, step up and start saying "NO" to the things that need to be said no to.
After eight years of George Bush and the Republicans, Barack Obama and the Democrats in congress won the election because they offered a refreshing "change we can believe in". Unfortunately for all of us, here we are a year later with no "change" - just the same old politics as usual, the same two wars, the same high unemployement, the same uninsured. The Democrats in-charge have provided no refreshment, keeping themselves busy blowing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn the country around.
It's gone because he has not been tough enough on the Republicans. They have spoken so many lies and there is no response from the White House. Get tough Democrats and quit in fighting. Even when the Republicans tell lies they stick together and convince there base. Democrats can't agree on anything together. I don't know why Democrats have always been such a bunch of sissies.
President Obama has over-saturated the media with himself and his family. The public was thirsty to see a new face in the White House and now they are drowning in his flood of publicity shots. If he stayed behind closed doors and didn't get much done, at least we would think he is working on the problems. There are still some campaign promises that he needs to address without using any smoke and mirrors. Majic tricks aren't majic after you see how it's done.
Are you kidding? He still has the magic, he is the best thing to happen since sliced bread.
Come on, If the media helped Obama like they praise the Republicans, that would be great.
It is too bad that the people that vote in the party of no, don't know any better. We had eight years of them giving tax breaks to the wealthy, getting the banks stashes of money, two bad wars, and messing up the economy. That should refresh their memory.
Guy from Hawaii,
Maybe we should stop paying our taxes as well. It's time we stop bailing out our overspending Congress.
President Obama still has the magic and it is still having an affect on the people. Look at how the likes of Hannity, Beck, Limbaugh and Dobbs react to him. They just can’t get enough of him. Glen Beck almost has a stroke when he speaks of Obama and as Limbaugh says, is ready to “bend over and grab his ankles” for whatever reason.
Gone with the wind!
The "Obama Magic" has gone with the hopes of "bipartisanship". Obama was elected to clean up the Republican mess, but by caving to them he's only made a new mess.
The magic is alive and well in Iowa
What do you mean where has it gone.
The election isn't over yet!!
Just because you aren’t feeling the magic, Jack, doesn’t mean the rest of us don’t. President Obama is neither Bush nor Cheney, and that in itself is magical.
Word got out about the snake oil. Time to move to a new town.
The magic has gone the way of all smoke and mirror acts
I still support President Obama as enthusiastically as I always have. The guy can't fix all of America problems in such a short amount of time. Everything does not and wil not be instantly gratifying. President Obama is on the right track. The opposition is slowing the nation down, not President Obama.
Many people are unhappy with Obama so naturally they won't care about who he supports.
Jack
All local politics is local. A national figure really never plays into it much.
Magic? Come on, Jack! He's the President. Not Jesus. He can only do so much.
What "magic"?? The trouble with our country is they expect magicians to perform for them instead of true leaders to lead even when the going gets tough. Obama is the same great leader he always was and i for one am so thankful he is in the White House during these horrible times left over by the Bush madhouse and their form of "magic" that got us into an economic mess and 2 wars! Go Obama!
Out the door, Jack!
If Corzine doesn't win in New Jersey, it's not a referendum on Obama, who is wildly popular in this state. It's about an unhappy state dealing with an unhappy economic situation.
He's just coasting for now...Wait and see
All Presidents ratings go down when they have to make the tough decisions. Look at Bush's ratings after 9/11 and when he left office.
The mess bush left Obama was a guarentee of tough days ahead.
After Obama clean up bush's mess he will go down as one of the greatist Presidents ever.
Put him in a room full of non-biased people and he still has his mojo.
The Obama magic has been dulled by 150 billion dollars in exess profits of the republican insurance companies. They want to kill the Public Option (competition) at all cost.
Jack,
I am still 100% behind Barak Obama compared to the incompetence of Georege Bush and any one else on the horizon.
Absolutely no where..... We greedy Americans are too darn impatient...He's only human.....NOT God.
Obama is doing a great job with a lousy hand. No president since Roosevelt has been handed so many problems. The candidates in Virginia and New Jersey are losing on their own merits, and the New York Congressional race is in a traditional republican district. Democrats are all quite happy with Obama.
The magic went when we spent $787M and managed to increase the unemployment rate. The magic went when we bailed out the banks and executives got huge bonuses on our back. The magic went when we rewarded the unions that drove the American auto industry into the ground with the companies and screwed the people who based their retirements on the auto companies bonds. The real magic is loading our children and grandchildren with so much debt that they will not ever be able to enjoy the prosperity that my generation has. We voted for change. What we got was politicians with a different set of lobbyests to be rewarded for their support.
The magic is gone for those who actually believe in magic. For the rest of us, Obama has to deal with some harsh realities. No reasonable person could believe that kind of change could happen in 10 months.
The Obama Magic? At least Preseident Obama generated magic in some very sad times for America.
S. Pakrs
The Man I voted for did not turn out to be what I thought he would be for President he is just another washington suite,I may vote to stir the pot a little and perhaps get a little closer to what I thought we had the last election.
It's hard to keep the shine on your shoes when you are walking through the mud. Older people know there is no magic bullet for success. Give them man time, he can and will prevail.
I honestly think that Obama and his team who got him into office were only good for campaigning and not for governing the great USA. It is pretty obvious that everyone who had 'hope' for Obama are now greatly disappointed in him. After electing a democratic president and giving him full congressional power with 60 vote supermajority and a majority in the house of representatives, I believe all his supporters are disappointed in seeing him not able to get any legislature passed. He will be noted as a one term president...that is for certain.
The magic is still there. It is just that most folks are so disgusted with all the Republican talk (almost treason in some cases) that puts everything and everybody down, they are just keeping quiet. The Obama administration's magic here still strong here and abroad. God help us all if the negative fear mongers gain any type of control.
ken price
Helena, Montana
The Obama "Magic" has disappeared with the prevailing of truth. "Magic" is the best way to describe it because that's just what it was: not real – lies. Those who forgot what government was were tricked into believing the rhetoric of someone who was not completely forthright. With unemployment continuing to rise, the economy floundering, and continual government repeals of its people's freedoms, the Obama "Magic" is never was.
the dems showed they are just as bad. we need a third party,obama showed he;s just as extrame as the repub.
Changing America's ideological direction is slow and hard, like turning an aircraft carrier. Obama inherited such massive problems from Idgit that it was inevitable that his efforts would take time. He is up against massive retrograde forces like the US Chamber of Commerce, health industry giants, big dirty energy, morons like Senator Lieberman... Obama has set in train hugely important changes, but until we see some of the concrete results such as health reform he will have to expend political capital without reaping the benefits. That's the way politics works. For talking heads (does that include you Jack?) it's always fun to rush to judge. Let's see where he is in a couple of months...
The governor's race in Virginia has less to do with President Obama and more to do with the Democratic candidate. Unfortunately, Deeds is a lackluster candidate and Bob McDonnell comes across as quite the opposite. I am a moderate Republican who became an Independent during the last election; I voted for Obama because he was the better candidate. I will vote for McDonnell for governor of Virginia because he is the better candidate. It has less to do with party and more to do with the ideas of the candidate. I will vote for the best person, regardless of party, and that person is the one who at least gives the impression that he or she has ideas to positively affect the lives of those who are voting.
With a 24/7 news cycle, it seems that no one has any patiene anymore. The man has been in office less than 10 months, and has not solved all the worlds problems, and the republicans are running away from the horrible mess Bush left us with,now saying its up to Obama and he hasn`t saved the world, now is the time to stand fast and support the vote we cast. thank you Malcolm Lax
As a person who voted for Obama, it's pretty evident that it's politics as usual. People are seeing the more things change, the more they stay the same.
The Magic is gone.........How much more can the White House add to the enormous deficit??? The democrats are out of control!!!
They have to stop the spending!! Let the Healthcare remain in the private sector and not be governement run...Just help fix what is broken in the healthcare sytem...don't make it worse......That is where he is making a mistake......and the Magic is gone!! What happened to Bi- Partisan governing!! He is the President to everyone, not just the peole on the left.......
It's hope on the ropes Jack.
It seems President Obama is really in a rush. He wants to prove he is smarter and faster than his predecessor, jumping into the Olympic bid, getting that Peace Prize, and tackling health care reform.
But there is one thing where Mr. Obama has clearly outdone George W. Bush. According to CBS, Mr. Obama has hit the links 24 times since becoming the President, while it took Mr. Bush almost three years to get in that much golf.
At this pace, he will be on the golf course more often than Tiger Woods.
Jack,
The President does not have any magic. President Obama has intelligence and capabilities. The problem is these racist no good, "so-called" Americans cannot and refuse to accept an African American President, so they are doing everything they can to destroy him. Those who were dumb enough to believe racism in America was over with can now deal with reality.
I just pray to God that nothing happens to Our President because if it does we are going to have Iraq right here in America.
The "Obama magic," as you call it, was nothing but superficial campaign hype and the "Obama reality" is that of the play-it-safe center-right anti-progressive President we have ended up with. This is something all true liberal progressives realized going into this administration and the rest of the gang are only catching on to now. As far as the gubernatorial races are concerned, I wouldn't attribute those Democrats' problems to the President, Corzine is simply a horrible governor, while Christie is far, far worse. Thus is the quagmire of our delapidated two-party system that leaves Americans without a real choice in any election.
The curtain has now been pull back and it's been discovered that the "magic" is just smoke and mirrors.
My fellow friends, the Bamster never had a Magic. He is leftis, anti US, anti military, and only carrying the failing policy of another democrats, Jimmy Carter. If u think Obma has a Magi touch, I have a septic tank for sale.
It is a measure of America's addiction to instant gratification that we must have promised change yesterday, instead of waiting the time it must take to make honest change happen. It took decades to get into our economic mess and years to bury ourselves in Middle Eastern sand. How can we expect to get out in less than a year? The Obama magic is still there; we have only to believe things will change and work to make it happen. But it isn't really magic because it won't be easy or fast. No one ever said it would be.
Denis in Colorado
It is still there as far as I am concerned. I have to admit though it is a bit noisy out there on the bully pulpit....they get all the attention, but it is negative attention. Let's just let him do his job.
Jack , the magic stopped when Obama arrived in washington and found the magic wand had been bought from the special interest and passed on to congress to do their evil self interest deeds.
Give the guy a chance will everyone please!? He can't just wave a magic wand and undo all the damage of the past eight years in a wink. He's not our fairy godmother..er..godfather. It might take a while. Glad he is good at speaking, the last one sure wasn't. I would suggest he read "The Art of War" (yeah, the ancient Chinese book) which would suggest he listen to his generals.
Jack, I don't know about " Obama magic" I just wish we would get smart and vote ALL the bums out of office. I voted for Obama hoping for some kind of change but there will be no change until the Pelosies, Rieds, Liebermans, McCains, and Bush's and all other career politicians are gone. Then the magic will show up.
hey jack,
Could it be he has left our troops in afganistan and while he is busy making speeches to the military at home that he will not put them in harms way and give them the support they need? Or could it be he is abandonig our youth by allowing states to leagalize drugs? Maybe it was giving banks billions while people loosing their homes not only stopped but happened more and faster? Maybe it was promising Americans health care and open doors but we got closed doors and a big dog and pony show and nothing will change?
To sum it up he is doing nothing he has promised and putting Americans in danger both at home and abroad.
I think the Obama magic went into hiding along with George Bush. Neither have been seen since January. Howard in Baton Rouge
Like most things "magic", the "Obama Magic" has been replaced by the reality that this a very difficult world. It is beyond the capacity of a single individual, no matter how seemingly powerful he may be, to solve the numerous and diverse problems that confont not only this country, but the entire world. Couple the enormity of expectations with the opposition he faces at every turn, it is no wonder that there is disappointment with the perceived lack of progress made by President Obama.
S.R.
His magic has gone to Disney World.
Hey Jack, What Magic! This is one of the biggest B.S. Presidents I have ever heard, and one of the most inept administrations on record, this party and its policies (progressiveness)are a joke.
Obama's magic is alive and well, thank you very much.
I remain impressed by Obama's unwavering commitment to making the hard choices that will help our country recover from the eight years of Orwellian abominations – abominations delivered to us by an inarticulate fool who couldn't even speak his first language: English.
I speak with authority about Obama's magic; I am from Salem, Massachusetts.
Neil
Salem, MA USA
We needed to believe. I disagree with the people above, it is time for this sane lady to vote for the other party.
I am completely disappointed. I am a three generation democrat, and I no longer believe in the party. I am an American, I believe in what it stands for.... Extending unemployment . . . you have got to be kidding me. We have a neighbor that just informed me that Obama extending his unemployment for a year and decreased how many job application he has to fill out to get that free money at our expense. He has to fill out 12 job applications a YEAR to collect a year of unemployment. So he informed me that he was going to enjoy this federally funded vacation, and that he may supplement his income by working under the table, but is happy for the Obama plan.
I cannot support this free ride party mentality. It is not about helping those that are down; it is becoming a free ticket for lazy unmotivated persons at our National expense. UNACCEPTABLE.
The Obama magic was merely shinny overlay and it is rubbing off and we are seeing the truth below, like cheap jewelry
We should have noticed when he betrayed his minister of 20 years to get the office.
Obama is a betrayer. As soon as he voted for FISA he proved it. He has continued to keep the civil liberties that Bush took away and has not attempted to return them to the people.
He has proceeded to betray the liberals in every case. Now he is cool to Universal health care.
A man is known by the company he keeps. He keeps a bunch of Friedman economists, George W. Bush's Defense Secretary, Bill and Hillary.... the list goes on and on.
Obama is a fake. What was it the guy said in the Joint Sessions speech? Very strange. Im listening to the conservatives now. But during the elections they asked what did he offer other than nice speeches. As soon as he voted for FISA the left should have dropped him like a hot potato
No surprise some of us are dropping him now.... more of us should be doing that. He will betray us in every case.
Shame on President Obama's supporters for expecting so much in less than a year. They are very naive about how our democracy works. The President inherited serious problems from the Bush Administration. He has prevented total economic destruction, he has tried to bring the world together and now he tackles the thorny health care issue. At least he is visible and working. As for me, although I wanted Al Gore to be President, I fully support President Obama. However, should he escalate the war in Afghanistan he will lose my support also.
The magic hasn't disappeared, Jack. It's just really hard to believe in when your health is unprotected, your kids are at risk in Afghanistan, and you are about to become homeless because when the banks were bailed out, they figured they no longer had to offer CUSTOMER Service.
Maybe the people of Virginia like the Republican candidate better. Maybe the Republicans are more desperate to win this time .There was not a %100 sweep by Democrats in the election last year; was that President Obama's fault too? When will you stop taking every possible chance to stir up criticism against the guy?
Allison,
Vancouver, B.C.
The "magic" was in Obama's words on the campaign trail, promising
bi-partisanship, smart leadership, and transparency, of which there is none in this Presidency and his adminstration.
The magic is being used to fix the disasters of the last 8 years and TRYING to be bipartisan with only one real political party and a group of ignoramuses to do it with. Get off his back. He gets enough grief from the Dem-dissidents and the retards of NO.
Obama magic are still here some people want it to be gone. The Rush, Hannity, Beck supporters want to think it gone. Obama the most popular person in the country I love to see and hear him. I'm proud to have him as President people need to give him a chance to fix the mess Bush left.
I think President Obama is finding out that it is a lot harder to fix problems than give speeches. It is always easier to Monday morning quarterback the guy doing the job.
Its funny to see the people I know that voted for him finally get it. There is no substance to all the rhetoric. Analysis paralysis is the theme of this administartion.
It's difficult to maintain magic when half of the county's citizens continue to be "dumbed down" with falsehoods and propaganda by the opposition and their media outlets and don't have proper insight or the big view. Next step on the little ladder: education. Obama is the best thing to have happened to the US, please support your President. His vision is to restore America to what it should be.
Jack, do you really want the truth? You've got to be kidding me because I know that you will not publish this comment after you read it. if you really want the truth to your question, then you might want to know that it is the media that is doing everything it can to tie Creigh Deeds' performance in Virginia to Obama. I am sorry to say that in this era we live in, the Press has proved over and over to be the least patriotic organ of the American society. The Press's modus operandi is that the hottest news of the day is anything that will instigate the American people against the party is power. It appears the motto is: "Sell the Press, make more money, get more readers, viewers and listeners even if it is at the expense of the good intents of the American government". I am appalled by the amount of negative news that the Press has fronted about Obama in his 9 months in power. Come on Jack, give Obama and us the American people the break we need.
Hope seems to be getting lost in the closed rank screaming from those who try to nullify the election and the press that focuses on that group.
A lot has changed and it is seen from the outside world. But from inside the beltway and screaming shock media talking heads... Oh well
Obama's influence will take years to impact the decades of issues that have had no prior solution. His political capital is stretched thin by negatively shaped perceptions that are the product of political biases. It takes 9 months to have a baby, the President needs more than 8 months to make an impact. Funny no one really mentions the President's accomplishments, especially those in the first 100 days.
Americans are going to have to take representatives of the federal government to task for taking the power away from them and enjoying it for themselves.
The debate between Republican's and Democrats is a polarizing distraction to accomplishing anything worthwhile. How can one man unite a country so inherently and intentionally divided against itself? Here's a new question to ask your viewers; Do you think the congress and senate are holding up the President's agenda?
The "magic" has gone back where it came from. The "Magic" was a media creation and the distruction of the "Magic" is also a Media creation. President Obama is after all a mere mortal. He is a great speaker and a good politician with a vision of what could be done as president. Most media type were so surprised by his eloquence that you propped him up on a pedestal. Once he attempted to do what he said he would do, those peole who never supported him came out "guns a blazing". In an effort to be fair, the Media began reporting every negative statement by the opposition as if it was equal to that of supporters of the president. I NEVER here a positive presentation of the president or his policies. I only hear the spokesmen from the Republica party – over and over and over. They are still are minority of the voters
It's Bushes' fault...
His fellow Liberal staff is not as transparent as he had promised in the election, and Obama is obviously only as magical as the average human can claim to be. He has no follow up on his claims because all he does revolves around very long debates that end up changing so little it seems as if the government has abandoned it's people when we finally hear news of change. His "actions" are very slight and demeaning on the american people, apparently he cannot think any process 100% through without altering almost every detail to bring up a new topic. His great ability to trick americans with foul and lifeless speeches allows him to take control of over half the american population, and unfortunately we could not open up their eyes before Election day and they made the wrong decision. I personally find that his policies have in no way changed and yet theyre doing "more bad than good".
Hi Jack,
The Obama magic has not gone. People are impatient and it appears had expected the administration to turn the pumpkin into a gold and diamond studded stagecoach and all in 8 months. Apparently polls indicate the the greater percentage of people support a public option in the healthcare reform bill. People need to become vocal and visible, otherwise no one pays attention, regardless of how good the intentions. Organize a huge rally or march to demonstrate to Washington the importance of a public option.
Obama's magic has evaporated by the way of weakness in foreign policy (Afghanistan), policies in general, suspect cabinet member and czars, health care fog, bullying and the inability ot step up and take ownership of anything. It appears he wants congress, cabinet and advisors to make all of the decisions for him.
I think Obama's heart is in the right place but once he got to Washington he found out its the Democrats against the Republicans. Each is so caught up in their own agenda that neither really cares to do whats best for the county.
Since congress will never pass term limits the only solution is to elect a majority of independent congressmen to stop the politics as usual.
These independents will have no party to answer to, only whats makes the best sense for the country, the way it should be.
I think Obama is doing the best any person can do given the cards he was dealt and having to deal with a self centered, party split congress he must work with.
Jack,
Those who drank the Obama coolaid are suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Take two asprins and vote consevative. You will thank me in the morning.
Most Americans are addicted to instant gratification. Obama didn't fix it over night. Good bye. They'll vote in another party next time and........we'll end up with the same mess that created this one.
Stay tuned for more of the same.
When a president gets elected because of his popularity, disregarding his knowledge and experience, what's happening is to be expected. My question is: What are the circumstances needed to impeach a president before he does more damage to this country? Let it be known that we have three more years ahead.
Katy, Texas
I thought so...
Who cares? I am more concerned about what gets done. Why waste time on irrelevant questions. As charasmatic as he is, he never ran anything and he has to deal with careerists in The House and in the Senate. He is fresh and new but Congress is full of insiders and power brokers who care more about self preservation that anything else.
Many believed deeply and passionately that a change would be coming, and many are disillusioned. The near insurmontable problems that were passed on by the previous administration awaited President Obama, and situations cannot be resolved overnight.
As a country we have "come undone" by our divisions, and we look towards Washington to fix us. There is personal responsible for each and everyone of us, and until we are willing to step up to the plate it is BAU
Judie/El Lago, TX
Jack, the 'Obama magic' has gone due to the cowardice of the Democrat elite who want their election and perks ahead of the need for reform to help the lower echelon of society. That group has been ignored by the Democrats for TOO long and it shows in their feeble attempts at restructuring gouvernment programs to help those in need.
The "magic" went to the same place the "thrill" went to in "The Thrill is Gone". Don't worry about where it has went, just hope and pray for America's sake the "magic" and all the other non-productive behavior he exhibits stays gone.
The magic wand lost it,s power when Obama gave it to the wicked witch and the gouls of congress to pass health reform!! HAPPY HOLLOWEEN
Well as someone that lives in Virginia. I can tell you that the Democratic party has done nothing to prop up our local economy. Obama's visits increase our traffic, decreased local jobs, and we feel no relief from this current spending spree mess the party has left us disappointed. Maybe he has made your economy better in Vancouver, BC. It would be nice if it were better here in America.
Hi Jack,
The Obama magic is not gone. People have become very impatient and expect the pumpkin to be turned into a gold and diamond stagecoach and all in 8 months. I believe President Obama during campaign speeches said it would take effort from everyone to make changes. Organizing a huge march or rally would provide support and demonstrate to Washington the necessity of a public option.
You know the magic is done because all Obama does is blame Bush for all his own shortcomings. Obama has accomplished nothing and in my withering state of CA thats okay but the the Red States where most of my family live he is losing credability daily.
People have smartened up since the election.
I don't believe that his magic has left at all. His "team" is letting him down. Its like the man is standing ready at the base, gripping that bat and ready to hit a home run.... and his team mates are hopping in their cars driving away (with Lieberman leading the way). How sad that so many people are not standing behind their president and giving him a chance. I have never seen a leader of any country try harder on behalf of the country he loves so much!
President Obama was handed an enormous task of cleaning up after the Bush tribe left the whitehouse. There is no magic wand he can wave. I have never seen such a hard working president. It will take time, and we need to be patient. It would help if Congress would get off their behinds. They haven't been able to rest since Obama took over.
Obama has challenged thing in the US tht no other president has. Hi has had to face thing that no other president has had to. He followed George w. Bush and no other president has had to. Enough said I think.