How would President Obama's second term look different from his first?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama wants four more years in the White House, but if he wins a second term - which is still a big "if" at this point - it's unclear what exactly it would look like.
A piece in Politico describes the president's agenda as "blurry" this time around.
Which is a far cry from the 2008 campaign. In addition to "hope," "change" and "Yes we can," then-candidate Obama ran on a long list of issues from health care reform to ending the Iraq war to imposing tighter regulations on Wall Street.
He also promised a new era of bipartisanship in Washington - and we all know how well that turned out. Washington, and the entire country, may be more bitterly divided today than at almost any time in our history.
Here's the thing about a potential second term: Unless Democrats win big in Congress, it's likely the next four years would only bring more division. That's why Mr. Obama's message may be more about stopping the Republicans than about what he can get done.
There are some items left on the president's to-do list, like a long-term budget deal and immigration reform. But don't hold your breath on those political hot potatoes in a divided Washington.
Other than that, the president is expected to campaign on the proper role for government and creating more fairness in society. This is the class warfare stuff we talked about last hour in the Cafferty File.
Meanwhile don't bet on getting too many answers in President Obama's State of the Union tonight.
Past presidents have mostly used the address to defend their first term record - instead of laying out an agenda for a second term.
Here’s my question to you: How would President Obama's second term look different from his first?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
James in Illinois:
Jack, A second term will be more socialistic, more radical and the country will continue to go downhill even more than in the last four years. All great powers come to an end and we are over the top and on the way down.
Pat in Michigan:
It should be much better: new Congress, old guard tossed out on their butts, common sense representatives not cow-towing to the radical rich. If the Republicans think we don’t plan to make changes at the voting booth, they are really disconnected.
Greg in Arkansas:
With no worry about re-election, instead of offering Congress an "olive branch" for bipartisan support for legislation, Obama could threaten them for obstructing everything and promise them a public trip to the "wood shed"... for a good old-fashioned thrashing for not doing their jobs.
Tim:
All depends on the Congress, Jack. If the Republicans have any edge, it will be just as divisive and mean as his first term. If the Democrats have super-majorities in both houses, he'll get all he wants. The only new tune we could see is if there were small Democratic majorities so that bipartisanship in Congress would have to happen but the President would have some prerogative.
Russ:
Worse than the first, as Obama would be sure to continue robbing us of our money and our rights. More government, more intrusion, less freedom.
Catherine in Sioux Falls, South Dakota:
He'll finally tell John Boehner to go to hell, Jack.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
That depends on what happens in the congress. If teh tea partiers in the house are voted out and some semblence of compromise can be achieved than things will look for an Obama second administration. If Democrats gain control of both houses it will look even better. But if the congress remains as it is now Obama's second term won;t be much different than his first term.
He will have sincere support from US citizens who truly want to get the country working again!
Jack,it wouldn't...................not a bit.If he was going to change he would have, but he sees no reason to.We are what we are and we all have our developed personal ideas and agenda's.That is how life is...........there will be no change
David.
Second terms are no more Mr. nice guy because they don't have to worry about re-election. So you do all your greatest evil the second term and also rig things to implode once you leave, since surely the other party is going to win next term.
He'll break the 2nd-term curse (see Nixon, "W")and really be able to tackle (and will) the big issues without have to worrying about re-election.
IL
After almost cleaning up all of the republican mess in the first term, the president will be free to create wealth for all classes as was done in Clinton years, bring back jobs..manufacturing jobs back to America, trully make the government more efficient and effective for those who really need assistance, re-do only the necessary parts of the tax codes, make sure Health Care is implemented right and costing the budget less, make sure rules are fully implemented for the financial markets.......hopefully it will be a democratic congress so Real Work can get done.
If you believe Sarah, Rush and Newt: Saul Alinsky (whoever he is), Leon Trotsky and Karl Marx will join Obama's cabinet and together they will take over the U.S. and then the world.
Carol in Northampton, MA
The economy had crashed when he came into office and economic gurus were very vocal about no one being able to prevent a second depression. All American economic indicators are now running positive and will continue to do so.
Europe's initial response to the global crisis was austerity. It now accepts that a stimulus is what is required. Now with everyone on the same page, worldwide recovery will pick up speed. His second term will be easy street, compared to the first.
Better than a negative President Gingrich. Romney or Paul, that's for sure. Given a chance to positively impact jobs, economy, social issues etc., we the people is hopeful.
My hope is that President Obama would act more like a Democrat and less like a Republican. To this day I can't figure out why Republicans dislike him . . . he's given them everything they've wanted and more. He sure doesn't fit the "socialist" caricature Republicans like to describe, especially since he enshrined the private, for profit, health insurance industry rather than fighting for a better system.
I suspect that we will see him working more on Social Security and immigration. If it has not already occurred, he will work on tax policy, especially in the second half when he has a stronger Senate majority as the GOP continues to implode. I also expect that he will bring up a bill on late term abortion, adding a health exception to the partial birth abortion ban while outlawing all abortion in the third trimester without one and maybe even all those after 22 weeks unless there is a health reason for them.
I don't even want to think about it. I woudl have nightmares; and I need my rest so I can watch you.
Jerry
Blairsville, GA
They had us on the ropes for a while, Jack, but Wall Street has awoken a sleeping giant. Elizabeth Warren, Richard Cordray, President Obama, will appeal to Congress for some oversight of unscrupulous businesses and will demand a fairer tax system.
God help those of us who have actually made an honest living if he is re-elected! It is bad enough that both the left and right accelerated the housing industry so that they could destroy the foundation of honest wealth but now Obama wants to put shackles on the arms and legs of every small business by mandatory welfare to reward even more sloth!
I was watching the media describe Greece having no businesses to be employed in! What ever happened to necessity being the mother of invention? The reason why Countries and communities fail is because social programs destroy the necessity to get off the couch and be a real part of the community!
Instead of Obama handing out free educations he should be promoting corner lemonade stands! We have enough educated idiots destroying our economy! Government is not a community!
I would hope that he would strong arm Congress more than he has so Congress gets cracking on solving the problems Main Street is having. Afterall, he doesn't have to worry about another election cycle again. I personally want to see big changes in how Washington works; one can HOPE (and dream!).
Jack: I believe the economy will improve which will aloow the President Obama to spend more time on improving the quality of life for its citizens by improving infrastructure, such as, mass transit, and health care. I believe the attacks on his character will tone down. Maybe we will get more done in Congress, and move the United States to energy independence. This will only happen, if the Tea Party wing of the Republican Party, is told about the senority system in Congress.
If Obama wins re-election he will need a Congress that will be able to assist him in his vision. If he gets that, I think he will leave office in 2017 with our country in a far better position than it is now, and we will also be positioned to remain one of the dominant nations on this earth for much, if not all, of the next century.
If he wins re-election and the Republicans retain one of the houses and our grid lock continues I predict The Second American Civil War by the end of his term. The Republicans are already fighting anything he does in Congress as if we are already at war with each other. As things get worse, and nothing moves foward, people will start shooting each other.
If he loses then I think we will resemble the 1880's where there is no middle class, no protections for workers, and unions will be met with armed police.
If the split of power and no compromise continue than it will be more of the same nothing getting done because of the guy in charge. What ever happened to lets all talk and work something out. It has gone to the wayside alone with cheap fuel and jobs of plenty in the U.S..
Obama won't worry about re-election–so many proposals–that won't fly.
Republicans will have control of both houses.
It will be 2011 amplified and repeated 4 times.
With America's serious problems snowballing.
Heaven help us!
Mr. Cafferty, if this nation were to be cursed with a second term of the current administration,we will see more debt, more entitlements, more unemployment, more incivility and more general unhappiness. The future is bleak when the professional left is in charge.
That depends on whether voters have sense enough to vote republicans into office, and take away Obama's pawn in the Senate, Harry Reid, as Senate leader. Reid has basically been a surrogate for Obama to control the Senate, for the past year, personally, and he has done so, while blaming Congress for it, which has been a total and complete lie!
If the Senate remains in control of Obama, and he wins re-election, it will be a major disaster.
If the republicans take control of the Senate, then they can stop the Obama excesses.
We have to hope that the republicans take control of the senate, at the very least. Replacing Obama would be a bonus.
Simple....he would be unemployed.
He would be free to pursue his corporatist agenda without fear from his naive voting block because he would be a lame duck.
Unless there is a drastic change in attitude or personnel on the GOP side of the Congressional aisles, it's going to look as pathetic as the GOP has made his first term look. I hope my fellow Americans can see what the GOP candidates really are and keep Obama in office and also replace the Congressional obstructionists that have divided this country. We can't have four more years of this stupid gridlock or we will be in third world class and those, non-wealthy, that can't see what is going on will be in the same boat as us that can.
I will vote to re-elect President Obama. Period. End of story. He's the only one trying to help the middle class. As far as looking differently at him, the only thing different is that he's finally realized that the Republicans want nothing more than to end his time in office, and will not work with him. He's finally getting it. Compromise is wonderful. But after a while, even a puppy fights back after being backed into a corner one time too many.
It would depend if he were to get a Democratic House and kept the Senate Democratic and even increased his majority in the Senate. If that were to happen I shudder to think what would happen to the country. He is so liberal that we would see plans to radically change our Government. We need less Government and if Obama were to have his way, we would end up with much more Government. It might get to the point were you couldn't even go to the bathroom without asking for the Government's permission first.
It would not be any different other than a war with iran instead of iraq. Wall street and corporations will continue to make big profits, receive bonuses, and get billions in tax cuts. exemptions and credits while main street continues to struggle. Illegals will continue to take jobs away from unemployed legals. The 16 trillion dollar national debt will continue to get bigger. Talking about hope and change are different than actually delivering on that promise.
How would President Obama's second term look different from his first?
That would depend on the Republicans.
Are they going to spend another four years actingling like spoiled children who did not get their way so they are going to refuse to work with the Democrats or are they finally going to put the nation before their party and work with the Democrats?
If they continue to refuse to work with Democrats then the recovery will continue to be slow and Americans will continue to hurt.
If they chose to work with Democrats then America will move quicker towards recovery.
Least we forget that it was Obama or the Democrats that created this mess and give credit where credit it due. The GOP created the mess and the GOP refuses to clean it up.
I say it is time that Americans gave the children of the GOP what they have earned a TIME OUT.
Let's give Obama what he needs a Super Majority in the House and Senate so we can get Americans BACK TO WORK!
Jenna
Roseville CA
How would President Obama's second term look different from his first?
Trying to clear up an impossible situation he inherited, making progress,
with never ending results, as Christ gets with His bride The Church (Revelation 21; 9).
I don't know how it would look different. Many appointees heading for the exits, no more Hillary for the rabid right to kick around. Depending on the make up of Congress, fewer confirmations for judges and perhaps some cabinet posts. The only thing I am sure of is God help us all if a Democrat or Republican gets elected to anything. Can you say gridlock, partisanship, nastiness and just plain asininity. All in all SOSDD.
With no worry about reelection, instead of offering Congress an "olive branch" for bipartisan support for legislation, he could threaten them with a "hickory switch" for obstructing everything and pronise them a public trip to the "wood shed" for a good old fashion thrashing for not doing their jobs instead of continually campaigning for the next election.
I think it depends a lot on how Congress will look. If we have the same people running Congress as we do today chances getting of anything good done will be impossible. Already the speaker of the house is criticizing the president before he even spoke one word of the state of the union address. Attitudes like this is what is preventing us from moving forward. I can tell you one thing, having Obama in the oval office lessons our chances of getting involved in another war. Getting involved in another prolonged war would put us back to where we were when George W invaded Iraq.
How would President Obama's second term look different from his first ?
Answer : IF he gets a 2nd Term – so far it looks like he might – but don't count your eggs before they hatch, Jack. Anyway, his 2nd term will end up being like Clinton's 2nd Term – or anybody else's 2nd term, that ever won the 2nd term in the white house. ""You Have to Start Governing From the Middle"" – – does that make any sense Jack ? Obama started governing from the furthest from the left as you can go. If you take a clock with numbers on it – and 12 Noon is the middle – and 6 am is the furthest from the left, and 6 pm is the furthest to the right, Obama needs to Govern at the 12 o'clock position, at the very least, Jack. That's what happened to Clinton – he started governing from the 9 or 10 o'clock am position, ( unlike Obama, he started at 6am) Then Clinton went to the 11 o'clock (am) position, then he eventually governed from the 12 o'clock position. Then – after his 2nd term, he was at the 1 o'clock position. (more right, but not radically right)
IF obama gets defeated, ( which I think he will ) There will be so many Jobs out there, it's going to be pitiful, Jack. BUT – let me say this : it won't be the jobs in manufacturing / or factories / or bridges / or roads / & etc – as some people may think.
It will be Jobs that are off the shores of Florida / off the shores of California / west coast / North Carolina / South Carolina, off the shores of the East Coast / and there will be Plenty of Jobs up in Alaska, not to mention North Dakota, in addition to the XL Keystone, Jack. Once a Republican gets in Office – they will end up treating the EPA / OSHA / & any other regulators like a bunch of kindergarten kids, and corral them for the next 4 yrs.
I hope I don't have to hear ""You Lie"" tonight. I hope they Don't sit on the same side – or sit together Jack, it's embarassing, don't you think ? I mean, think about it, it's like : trying to tell your kids – that constantly fight with each other all year, to be good for a few hours, because Santa Claus is on his way.
Larry in Houston
hopefully he will have a Democrate Houes and Senate and be able to do a "21st Century New Deal" to not only get people back to work but to re-build America's infrastructure. he SHOULD have gone for that first off in his first term.
Very different Jack, especially if he gets another majority in both the house & senate this time around.
Obama's finally gotten the message, that the other side just isn't willing to play ball at all. They're far more interested in seeing him fail, deliberately sabotaging the country so they can point out his "failures" and sweep the next election looking like the heroes. Hopefully this time around he'll be more heavy handed and get much more done than he did in his first 2 years (which by the way, was one of the most productive congresses in U.S. history. Look it up if you don't believe me). The man's just getting started.
He might cut down on vacation time, but he'd still be lying to all Americans.
It should be much better . new congress. old guard tossed out on their butts. common sense representatives not cowtowing to the radical rich.If the Republicans think we dont plan to make changes at the voting booth they are really disconnected.
It would give him the chance to actually do the things that he promised.The main thing would be jobs , if he turns that around. and straightens out the health care bill , He would be concidered a great man.
In order for ALL of us to be a success. We need a Congress that will support the Middle-Class and their our interests. All I can really say is. If the Dem's get back in control of the House and Senate...I can only hope that they actually do something constructive for the entire Middle-Class and not the Lobbyists, or just what the Koch brothers want them to do. Where are the jobs?? Hint: China, India and Mexico. Thanks a lot....Mr. Boehner and you to, Cantor!! I sure you two really enjoy your socialized pay and benefits. I don't hear your complaining about that part socialism.
All depends on the Congress, Jack. If the Republicans have any edge, it will be just as divisive and mean as the first. If the Democrats have super-majorities in both houses, he'll get all he wants. Notice that the term has been divided neatly into halves where both were largely the case. The only new tune we could see is if there were small majorities (10 in the house and 2 or 3 in the Senate) for Democrats so that bipartisanship in congress would have to happen but the President would have some perogative.
To adapt an old song: "Four years older, and deeper in debt. St. Peter won't call because I can't go. I owe my soul to the government store......."
Who knows? It's Congress that is crippling our nation, and unless we can change them we will be in for four more years of the same obstructionism and corruption that has plagued us for decades. The President needs to start acting like a representative of the people and not a politically correct wimp. If he can do that, then maybe he'll have a better second term.
The Republicans in Congress will still try to block him at every turn, but hopefully President Obama has learned his lesson, and will be more aggressive in accomplishing his goals instead of rolling over and giving the Republicans everything they want because they won't compromise, and he'd rather have a bad deal than no deal.
Worse than the first, as he would be sure to continue robbing us of our money and our rights. More government, more intrusion, less freedom: the goal of government in general...
Ron Paul in 2012...
He seems to have learned that no matter what, the GOP will not work with him or for America, and they have no interest in reaching across the aisle. The GOP has been sulking since November 2007. Even before Obamacare they have been sitting at State of the Union addresses with their hands in laps and pouting like children. If we vote out those lazy deadbeats and get people back in Congress who will work for a living, it should be a pretty good four years. Otherwise it will be four years of doing what can be done without Congress.
He would be unfettered by the inconvenience of having to be popular enough with the majority for re-election. Accordingly, he would give more regulatory power to environmental zealots, social reconstructionists, medical insurance company persecutors and the like. What wouldn't change is the lack of leadership, vision, and collaboration which characterized his first term.
The thought scares the pants off me. He has become a morph of the terrible Republician and a Democrat. We loose our freedoms and rights as citizens while even the most independent of us will be forced into becomeing wards of the state. The end is near and the begining will be intolerable to those of us old enough to have experienced independence.
To be honest, that is the big question we have to ask ourselves, we who believe the GOP contenders are a load of fools whose brains exist more or less permanently in the gutter. It is quite evident that President Obama has been forced to learn some harsh lessons on the limits of the presidency over the last few years, and I imagine that he has figured out the simple reality that all presidents figure out eventually, if they are able to do their jobs reasonably well... that you can't govern from the far left or the far right and still do your job, which is to represent the people of this country as a whole.
Well, Jack, for one thing there will be far fewer republicans in congress to stop government in its tracks. Nominies are more likely to get an up or down vote. Bills will actually pass BOTH houses, instead of just one or the other. We may even have our credit rating upgraded. The sky would be the limit.
Tom, Rochester, NY
That depends on one very important factor. Vote the, "Say No" GOP, out of the House. They have held the country for ransom and refuse to compromise at all! With them out of control of the House and/or the Senate, President Obama can make progress faster. Otherwise it will be the same hard fight with the GOP saying, "NO" to everything good for the country until the Class Warfare mentioned in your first question leads to a full blown out Revolution!
I hope he will learn that compromise is not surrender. It's time to roll over Republican obstructionism with a little bit of Chris Christie determination.
I think if he was smart, he would spend a lot more time in Hawaii, play more golf, smoke more cigarettes and go out on dinner dates with Michelle a lot more frequently. At least that's what I'd do if I were him.
During a second term Mr. Obama will not benefit from the wave of euphoria that swept him into office in 2008. Going forward he will either find his ability to vigorously lead the nation through its problems or be mired by them. A divided Congress, a struggling global economy and more foreign entanglements on the horizon suggest that he will be challenged from day one. The presidency offers a razor thin divide between second term success and lame duck status. In the comiing year, if he succeeds in his bid for reelection, Mr. Obama will either set the table for a seond term or set the stage for the 2016 campaign to start the day after his second inauguration.
Honest, Jack, I hope to God he's learned that Republicans don't play well and are unable to share. It's been a long time coming. Sure we'd like everyone in DC to get along. It's not going to happen as long as you have an entire party that thinks it's ok to take from the poor, the elderly, our vets, and all the downtrodden and give it to the rich.
How "would" it or how "should" it? His second term should concentrate on the economy first and foremost. Instead of appeasing the GOP, he should work hard on getting infrastructure projects up and running. Instead of appeasing Wall Street, he should be telling DOJ to start the indictments and prosecutions of the crooks that got us into this mess. Instead of a healthcare plan without the public option, he should restore that public option and open up Medicare for everyone, but he won't. If the Democrats control the Congress after the next election, he will pick a pet project and ignore the economy again. If the GOP controls the Congress after the next election, he'll find himself impeached over some such nonsense as Solyndra because it's clear that's what Darryl Issa is planning to do as the GOP's backup plan to Obama's re-election. It's a shame that so much time and energy is wasted on elections, infighting, and partisanship. Just think if our elected representatives actually spent that time and energy creating infrastructure jobs and restructuring the tax code to promote fairness for all, the United States "would" be on the fast track to recovery.
It won't change as long as Republican's remain human road blocks, that was their main function the first 2 years under Obama. They do no care one iota about the vast majority of the people, just their com-padres that are the top 1%. If the population realizes it and Democrats are in charge of Congress, education, infrastructure and the like will be the emphasis and not an agenda to go to war with Iran. Hey, how about a tax break for the non-rich?
If we give him a Congress he can work with (one that does not filibuster everything), he can have more successes in his 2nd term. As an independent voter, I believe he is the best candidate for 2012 and will win re-election.
It will look quite different because he will be back in Chicago instead of Washington. He can go back to his community organizing and Reverend Wright. I can only hope and pray!!
In terms of policy, not very different. He's indisputably been excellent on foreign and national security affairs, and his economic policies continue to make sense even as the GOP keeps rejecting them. The one difference would likely be that more Americans would start supporting those policies as the proof becomes clearer that they've been working.
Depending on the balance of power in both houses. With a majority in both, he would ruin America for at least one full generation....................25 years. With no majority in either house our Gov't. would be a useless oxen cart stuck hopelessly in the mud doing NOTHING for four more years, making us more irrelevant globally year by year. America's decline would be everywhere, as far as the eye can see.
Should President Obama secure a second term, I believe that he will abandon the "lean over backwards" to appease the Republicans and because there is significant potential that the House could have a change in the majority party after November 2012 elections, President Obama would possibly pursue a more aggressive progressive agenda which favors the middle class in America.
No different at all, if the voters continue to let Congressional Republicans have a stranglehold on the White House. If, however, voters give the Dems strong majorities in both Houses, not only will a lot be accomplished in his 2nd term, but also the Repubs will get a strong message that their divisive agenda is no longer acceptable to the majority of Americans.
we don't need to worry he's getting out in jan 1013 so we don't need to bother answering a second term from obama
he would put this country into bankruptcy
The only reason Obama has been restrained at all is because he knows his left leaning policies would surely cost him the opportunity at a second term. With that obstacle gone he will be able to pull this country into a left wing entitlement society the like of which we as a country have never seen. It will be a regular left wing love fest with everything for everybody with no personal responsibility required !
Like a little kid who thought that he could change the world, President Obama walked into Washington naive of the possible resistance he would face. This time around he should have more realistic goals. HOWEVER, HE HAS TO DISPLAY STRONGER LEADERSHIP RATHER THAN TRYING TO NEGOTIATE WITH LIKE HE IS STILL A U.S. SENATOR.
It would depend on whether he has a Dem. or Rebub. Congress to deal with. If it is Rep. there will be 4 more years of nothing getting done. If it is Dems. they can get this country moving again. When Sen Mcconnel said their main goal was to make the Pres. a 1 termer that ended any hope that the Repubs wanted to do anything for their country. It was all about POWER. What a shame.
It would look much different and the country would start moving in the right direction, if the Republican House of Representatives stopped saying no.
President Obama has nowhere to go but up, but whether or not he is able to do anything good for the country depends on the outcome of Congressional elections. If the Republicans maintain their hold on the House and (heaven forbid) gain control of the Senate, nothing the President suggests will get done. If the House and Senate go to the Democrats, we will see reforms benefiting the 99% and our economy will improve.
Jack,
Unless the Republican members of Congress collective lobotomy is reversed, look for more of the same and a Democratic party tidal wave in 2016. Unfortunately, America can't afford the wait.
The same way the first term went...like fire-works.....Big Spark, Bang, and finally it fizzes & smokes out until you realize you just bought a Dud.
Well Jack,
I am not sure about his second term, but if the Republicans hold a few more debates they will be so diminished that there won't be much left to run against President Obama. A few more debates and they will disappear all together. It appears that the Republicans have labored mightily and produced a mouse.
Unless the Democrats win the House and 60 votes in the Senate, President Obama's second term won't be any different from his first. Our two-party system has become too obstructionists. Maybe we should change to a Parliamentary system where the winning party controls everything. At least that way there would be accountability. If they do a bad job, you can kick them all out.
Well if he would be able to put the middle class back to work and bring prosperity back to this country what would be different. If he could bring the congress, the senate and the Whitehouse together on a single issue without six months of debate that would be different. But we all know none of this will happen. Four more years of the same old same old.
You are right, Jack. The President's second term will depend on whether Democrats can take the House back, and keep a majority in the Senate. If we can get rid of the Tea Party, then perhaps, he will have a chance to govern. However, he cannot change the color of his skin which is the root cause for all this hate and disrespect! What does this say about the good ole USA?
In light of the Obama accomplishments his first term the prospect of a second are truly frightening
I'm afraid that as a lame duck president, we would see no desire to work with republicans and a swift move toward socialism. He will continue to use executive orders to by pass congress and recess appointments to put more Chicago cronies in his administration. If his health care program is shot down by the Supreme Court, he will probably try to shove something else down our throats. I would rather deadlock for the next 4 years than have him have control with either or both houses.
His second term could be very beneficial and productive to the county if the Tea Party members and their supporters in both the House and the Senate were voted out the once-proud Republican party would again elected Statesmen instead of the obstructionists they have placed in office since President Obama was elected. The actions of the Republican party are simply racism, hatred, greed and they have greatly damaged this country. Never again will any Republican get my vote.
President Obama has come to realize what he is dealing with in Washington. Republicans are at a disadvantage because everyone knows that they are the primary reason why not much got done. So if the Democrats do not gain control of the House and retain control of the Senate. As long as President Obama shows the American people that he is fighting for us, and the Republicans prove to be the spoilers. They know they are putting at risk the chance of losing control in 2014. They also will make it hard for the Republican nominee in 2016.
I think it will look very different because Obama has learned that pursuing a bi-partisan agenda with the Republican leadership is like feeding pirhana by sticking your fingers in the water. The American people are sick and tired of the obstructionism and hypocrisy on the right side of the aisle. If they show that displeasure in November and throw out the class of 2010 there is cause for optimism and still plenty of time to pursue a positive agenda.
If Obama is re-elected , his second term won't be any different from his first term, but the USA will be unrecognizable,
after Obamacare further guts businesses of profits and guts the taxpayers for more bailouts, and deficits.
My HOPE is that without re-election to worry about, Barack Obama will CHANGE and enact bolder political policies that lean further to the left. So far he's been too great a "walking on eggshells" Centerist than a classic Democratic Liberal.
I see Obama's second term as a sort of 'the gloves are coming off' period. He's already demonstrated the ability to get needed reforms done, over the heads of the Tea Party dominated GOP, and as a result, the GOP is losing credibility. I also see the Democrats returning to power in Congress, which will mean less bickering and more getting stuff done. I may sound like a radical by answering this question, Jack, but I can't be any worse than those Tea Party 'radicals' who constantly answer this question with less-than-honest remarks about Obama's record to date.
To be fair, Obama tried bipartisanship, he was stonewalled every inch of the way by Republicans. In the end, it's all up to us and how we vote (the double-edged sword of Democracy). If we give him a Democratic congress to work with the chances for improvement are increased. If we stick with a Republican controlled congress, nothing is likely to change and will probably get worse.
"He'll just hire more, and better educated than himself; just has he has done for the past 3hyrs. But that won't get the USA out of trouble, because he has no idea what they're talking about. He just reacts on the advice he's given, he's bein g taken for a ride, and you're all gloing with him!"
Jack, It will be more socialistic, more radical and the country will continue to go down hill even more than in the last four years. All great powers come to an end and we are over the top and on the way down.
I'm concerned he'll go totally gray and look like Fred Sanford, that would be a disaster Jack.
I think the GOP will retain the House and maybe take the majorite in the Senate, if that happens, not much will happen but I think Obama will bypass congress as often as possible. Obama will no longer be in a campaign mode and he will push his agenda as far as he can with out without Congress.
I believe that our President's second term will be far more successful than his first. The main reason is that America is fed up with the party of, "NO!" (Also known as the Republican party.) I can foresee the results of the nest presidential election where there are only a handful of Republicans left in the House and Senate. Don't worry, nothing will get done. Democrats tend to self destruct.
I think Obama's second term will be historic. The Republicans would have lost their primary agenda point......'to make Obama a one term President'. That will be over. Standing in front of Obama's agenda will be pointless at this point. Now that the shackles would be broken from the far right, vote for nothing, Tea Party ball & chain. I think some moderate Republicans will be more committed to fixing the country. Passing more bi-partisan legislation than any administration in decades. Call me crazy......but I am hopeful.
For Obamas second term they can put Air Force One and the black bus made in Canada into into storage. He wont be campaigning for re election he so will have no need for them. Maybe he can do what he promised us and lead us out of the debt he put us into. Now thats the hope and change i want and he promised.
In his first term, the Republicans reversed long held positions because the President gave in and agreed with them. They staked out a position in negotions over the budget, then when they got what they asked for, they moved the goal line and asked for more. The GOP don't want the Democrats to get credit for solving any big problems. They remember how popular the Democrats were for decades after they enacted Social Security, Medicare and many other things that benefitted the Non-rich. They undid Clinton's balanced budget and they are foaming at the mouth to undo President Obama's Health Care Reform. The President has ample evidence that he is not dealing with honorable people. Hopefully, another four years will give him an opportunity to govern with that reality in mind. cy from arlington, va
Jack, If and when President Obama wins his 2nd term, we will have to listen to everyone grumble about Romney paying about 14% in taxes. Kind of tough being like Scrooge McDuck and shoveling all that money around for a living.
If Obama wins a second term, I'm afraid it will look much like the last two years. Total political gridlock in Congress, with Republicans determined not to let him succeed at anything. Or we could get lucky and knock enough obstructionists out of office to start moving forward again. One thing is certain: What Obama accomplishes in a second term will depend entirely on Congress. Not a happy thought.
Susan R
Denver, CO
President Obama has renewed my faith in American. Americans can survive just about any adversity, and in four years we will have survived this one too.
yes, let's blame the tea party. but facts are stubborn things. the fact is, obama had two years to pass anything he wanted without a single republican vote. not one was needed. so what did he do first? he bailed out wall street. then he spent a trillion dollars to bail out the unions and then he pushed his obamacare through congress and since he couldn't get enough democrats to vote for it, harry reid had to use special rules to deemed it passed. then came the tea party. the tea party was a result of the wall street bail out, the trillion dollar stimulus waste, the cash for clunkers program and the government take over of individual health care. and guess what? most people were and are in favor of limited federal government. so don't blame obama's failures on the tea party. he has no one to blame except himself. he can try to blame it on a do nothing congress, but he had every opportunity to pass what he wanted and chose to help his buddies on wall street and that cost him the house of representatives and next the oval office.
No more playing around...a complete elimination of all political opposition and dissenting media. Constitution and Bill of Rights printed on rice paper with disappearing ink.
Jack,
It isn't just about the President. Please remember that the President isn't a king or a dictator; he needs the cooperation of Congress to anything.
The only way I see President Obama's second term, if he is re-elected, become different is if we get a different Congress. A Congress that doesn't believe its most important and only goal is to make him a one-term president, to say no to everything.
Congress, and in particular, Republicans: this message is for you: you controlled Congress for a long time, and you also enjoyed having one of your own as President during that time. We did things your way: voodoo economics, trickle down, massive tax cuts for your cronies and contributors (the wealthy and corporations), cuts to education and social safety nets, complete deregulation of banking and the financial services industry, started TWO wars that were not paid for. And look what you did to us: high unemployment, jobs and industries outsourced so you can make even greater profits, cuts to social safety nets and education, lack of opportunity for the non-wealthy and unconnected, people losing their homes, homes underwater, people losing their pensions and rights.
Your way doesn't work for the majority of Americans, so you need to be big boys and girls and try the President's ideas. It can't be any worse than what you've put us through. And if it doesn't work, then we'll try something else. You're worse than a toddler who throws temper tantrums and refuses to try food he's never had before.
We had a strong, successful country and middle class when we didn't have such a huge disparity in the wealthy and income of the wealthy and everyone else, when education was affordable, when there were regulations that made sure the playing field was fair, when there were jobs.
It will not matter too much how it may differ if Congress continues to be non-representative of the working man and continues to wallow in the back pockets of Corporate America, the wealthy and special interest groups. No president can accomplish much without Congress' support and willingness to work. Something we the people have not seen for at least two decades or more. The onus to correct our social, economic and military faults is ultimately that of Congress. Not one man or woman in the White House. However, if one thing could be different, in my opinion, regarding Obama's second term it would be a more take charge, no waiting, no futuristic promises but immediate and swift change.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
I think people are fed up with the Republican congress and will change things when voting in November. Our President can't get things done with the opposition always against him. He gave in to them but they aren't so giving even if it will help the people. We need to back our great President and he will be able to get our Country straightened out. It is doable if we do our part by getting the Republicans out. Vote Democrat and for Obama.
His second term will have 50% of those people, that don't pay taxes, more obese. If they can't work they will eat more because they will be funded by the other 50%. The unions will raise hell because they can't get enough benefits that are funded by the non union workers. More recalls of the legislature if they don't get their way. More illegal immigrants will be coming in. The 50% that are working will have to support them. The rich will have to get their taxes raised to support the 50% that aren't working but will need more food, cell phones, housing, free health care and drugs. Rosy Obama's second term coming up.
Well. . .he won't have to kill Osama Bin Laden again.
President Obama needs the support of the republican party to turn this economy to the good .
If we could stop boehner,cantor,McConnell to quit saying no to everything Obama wants to do,our economy would be progressing.
Jack I actually think the President has learned as much as the rest of us: He's got the goods, he just needs to deliver!! I hope in his second term (and he will have a second term) he takes the kid gloves off and rocks these knuckle headed, bigoted, myopic race card playing Tea partiers and GOP nut jobs. No body and I mean NO BODY, in or out of the US has been impressed with the modern day version of what USED to be a legitimate and important part of our American system of checks and balances. Today the whole world looks at our nation in wonder as we are embarrassed on a world wide stage time and again with what has become a back room party of ethnocentric clowns who can't be brother to one another let alone "big brother" of the world. We are and should be ashamed at how far the Republican party has fallen. I miss Ron Reagan and I am not a Republican. This new breed of the conservative right have turned out to be a disappointing hypcritic mess of Godless religion and ignorance. Sad. Really sad Jack/
Well if we can look past the whole 'Republican' / 'Democrat' label any President could get whatever they proposed done. When you have a huge divide like what it is in the White House, it is impossible to get anything of great importance done. So unless there is a revamp of the entire Government, it won't look different.
Pretty much like his first term, only worse.
A second term for Obama would be as stagnate as his first four years. Facing a divided government, Obama has been reduced to rhetoric fights the GOP has induced. He promised change, but there has been little. But I don't blame him, he has to compromise with children.
I think he would be a lot less tentative in a second term. He would be more bold in his dealings with congressional Republicans. When a debt ceiling issue would come up I think he would this time tell the Tea Party to stick it where the sun does not shine and not do a rediculous compromise like he did the first time. He would be more willing to use the 14th Amendment. He would also not be as reluctant to let government shut downs happen. He no longer would have to worry about being re-elected.
Wether or not he does get reelected, Jack, who knows what could happened during a second term. If he is able move the nation with his patriotic speeches of fluff, like he has been relying off of during his entire tenure, then he might be able to sway voters enough to win back the House during midterms. If this happens, only God knows what could happen under Democratic Legislative and Executive branches. Things could get crazy.
The President's second term will be even better becasue we Americans won't make the 2010 mistake of thinking any old change means improvement. We will vote him in some support.
I do not think an Obama second term would be that different, there would probably still be constant partisan gridlock. However as bad as that is, I think it is the lesser of two evils when compared to allowing the tea party to take over the country where they would try to force their radical agenda right down our throats!
I think he'll tackle the budget deficit by reducing defense spending – closing some of the foreign, post-WWII bases – letting the tax break on the rich expire, and closing tax loopholes for corporations. The House of Republicans will fight him all the way. So hopefully we can bag the Tea PArty in the 2012 elections!
The Republicans take control of both the House and the Senate and then pass veto proof legislation. Problem solved.
Gee Jack, maybe he should just bow out seeing as how its been so disappointing that he hasn't been able to get the republicans to treat him or the American people with respect. I know that its his job to try to constantly win over the hateful on the right. Its really telling to me that people have put a huge expectation on this President certainly more then any other in my lifetime to not only do his job but apparently to babysit the children in congress who decided before he was even sworn in that they wanted him out. The American perspective and yes yours too Jack seems to be against the guy who's tried to bridge the divide instead of to those who have caused it!! Good luck with your Republican President should America be dumb enough to take that route again.
He will play more golf while this country goes to hell'
what second term? there is no way obama will get enough white people to vote for him this time to get reelected. therefore the truly scary thing is that the republican candidate wins almost by default. so you either get a president who is head of the executive club selling off the American economy to china and korea in order to line their own pockets or a good ole southern boy from all those southern states that feel like the wrong side won the civil war and hate democrats because they passed the voting rights and civil rights acts. they will continue to vote against their own economic interests until we have no jobs and no economy left.
Obama is not trying to help the middle class. He's trying to get re-elected. He could've put hundreds of blue collar people to work with the approval of the new pipeline, but no, jobs aren't that important.
A 2nd term for Obama scares me. He will have nothing to lose the 2nd time around and the country cant afford another 90 rounds of golf. We need a president theat will actually work to get us back to work.
A fairer system of taxation, more productive partnerships between public and private organizations, and more incentives for small businesses. Just give him a Congress he can work with, and he'll get it done.
Silicon Valley, CA
I'm sure there are plenty of Americans who believe that Obama's second term would be no different than his first. They'd be wrong. Obama's accomplishments during his first term in office could be solidified, reinforced, and built upon, from job recovery to healthcare to our foreign entanglements. Already the economy shows signs of recovery, and that achievement can be laid at Obama's feet. Another 4 years and we'll see a resurgence just like we saw with Clinton, after he cleaned up the mess left by Bush Sr. That's what Democratic presidents are good at.
Two words would sum it up NOT MUCH.
I am a registered Democrat but will not be voting for him and maybe no one. I think if the Congress had to go without a PAYCHECK we might get something done. But then they have made so much while being politicians that they can live off the fat of the land. I am 74 , I still work and help support Social Security. I can't imagine he has not gotten the SHOVELS in the ground by now. anyway, I don't agree with all of the Republicanism but maybe Newt would be different.
Much more will get done, primarily because I truly believe that the American people will vote the majority of the extreme right-wing Republicans "out"....and replace them with a combination of Democrats and/or moderate Republicans. The American political system is the best in the world and just like a severe wound, it will heal itself with the right dose of medication (new congress) and time (a 2nd term for President Obama)!!!!!
Hopefully a lot more blue, meaning DEMOCRATIC. It's hard to say this because I would love a big happy family in Washington, but it seems like Republicans are so numb headed or all their last names end with Saprano.
President Obama spent his first term cleaning up the mess the Bush administration left behind after 8 years. Hopefully he will be able to spend his next term rebuilding the nation – that is if the Republicans will let him. Afterall, they are more interested in seeing him fail than seeing the nation back up on its feet.
I think WHEN he wins his second term, you'll see a more partisan president. He tried to work with the GOP, and gave in to them often, but received nothing in return. It's clear they will not work with him, and that's not fair to the American people. If the Dems could take back the house, I think you'll see the President push through every idea he's had to help the working folks, and not saddle the elderly, disabled, and the poor with the bill.
It should be better. He will not have to deal with a huge financial mess at the beggining of his second term, like the one left by our last republican president. Also, maybe republican Senator Mitch McConnel number one goal can be actually passing legislation that improves our standard of living instead of getting President Obama out of office.
I think his second term would have to be better then the alternative (one of these nuts winning from the GOP side)
At least congress might actually take their jobs more seriously and actually work to improve our country instead of just having a bipartisen war hoping that their party will win the next election.
He won't roll over and play dead for the GOP anymore. President Obama tried but if the GOP did not get everything they wanted, they stomped like little children. So much could have gotten done but they deliberately stonewalled anything our President tried and some of his ideas coincided with previous GOP ideas. I hope he does win along with a Democratic congress so we can get this country rolling. The divide in this country is not over how much one person makes, it is over how those with power keep pushing everyone else down into the ditches. How many of the rich cats in Congress have even mentioned giving up their lifetime paid retirement pay and benefits... No....But they want ours!!!!
Jack, if Czar Obama is in for 4 more years, Warren Buffet's prediction of conflict class warfare WILL come about. The role of government is NOT to create more 'fairness' in the country. Show me where the Constitution, remember that? Show me where the Constitution says the role of government is to create fairness! That's socialism, not capitalism.
Why did the Communist Party USA endorse Obama, and the incumbent Congressional Democrats, for re-election last year?
Because they see where this Marxist is taking the country, show he be re-elected.
Hundreds of thousands died fighting communism to keep this country free, and now people are going to vote WITH the communists against American exceptionalism! INCREDIBLE!!
We've seen what happens when one party is in control, whether it is Republicans or Democrats. As long as there are career polititions clogging up the system, there will be more of the same. One more term will not make a difference. So much for change we can believe in.
I truly believe if America gives Pres.Obama a second term it will show how one man took the helm of the most disaterous presidency in history and almost single handedly brought our country back to the prosperity that we were enjoying when Bill Clinton left the whitehouse.It would normally take at least 3 terms to get us out of the mess George W. put us in!
Four More years of President Obama will mean he has been able to destroy our beloved 236 year old" experiment in democracy" , in only 8 years thats a record, It took the Roman Empire 450 years
If we have a new Congress, things will be much better. We all know the Republicans are not working with the President to make things . Thanks to Congress!! I hope voters will show up at the polls and do the right thing in November.
President Obama's Second term will be great for the following reasons. His second term will be his last term.Hopefully the Republicans in Congress will then support some of his policies that will greatly impact Americans and help save the country.i He got little or no support in his first term because Republicans wanted him to fail and be a one time president. So it will make little sense for House Republicans to wish him failurein tis second term. I hope Americans get this
I think one thing people like to do is to blame Obama for their past mistakes. I do believe Obama was sincere when he entered the presidency. I think that he found out how tough that job really is when trying to get people to compromise on issues. Republicans do not like to agree with a Dem under any circumstances. If a Dem agrees to a Republican's original plan, all of a sudden it's not good enough and they push for more that's even more unreasonable.
As it stands now, the only way Obama is going to get anything substantial done for this country is to gain both sides of Congress back. Otherwise, it will be more of the same. What I fear the most is having another Republican president because it would be diasterous for this country right now. What I am hoping for is Obama will have the opportunity to get a comprehensive tax reform package passed in order to make the tax code equitable for everyone, not just a chosen, rich few.
well Jack I read this today...god forbid.
During the first 3 years of the Obama presidency:
1. Federal debt increased by 44% from $10.6 trillion to $15.23 trillion.
2. Americans living in poverty increased by 16% from 39.8 million to 46.2 million.
3. Total unemployment (U6) increased by 21% from 19 million to 23 million.
4. Price of gasoline increased by 80% from $1.86/gal to $3.35/gal.
5. Americans on food stamps increased 58% from 28.2 million to 44.7 million.
6. Healthcare premiums per family increased by 19% from $12,680 to $15,073.
7. College Tuition per year increased by 20% from $6,870 to $8,244
8. US Bank failures per year increased by 268% from 25/yr in 2008 to 92/yr in 2011
9. Total bankruptcy filings per year increased by 31% from 1,117,641 to 1,467.221.
10. US credit rating downgraded by S&P for first time.
11. Median Household income declined by 4% from $50,939 to $48,950.
12. US dollar compared to foreign currencies declined by 7.7%. [US dollar index 86.9 on Jan 20, 2009 versus 80.2 on Dec 30, 2011]
13. US dollar compared to gold declined 89%. [$855/ounce to $1617/ounce]
Depression and war, likely with Iran, China, and North Korea. Recess appointments will become the norm. He will do nothing to jeopardize the status quo while spouting populist rhetoric. The character of Obama's second term will directly reflect changes to Congress. If the President is still hamstrung by the GOP and Blue Dogs, the next four years will see a contraction in money supply and the consequent depression pressaged by history. Civil war is too real a possibility.
President Obama's Second term will be great for the following reasons. His second term will be his last term.Hopefully the Republicans in Congress will then support some of his policies that will greatly impact Americans and help save the country.i He got little or no support in his first term because Republicans wanted him to fail and be a one time president. So it will make little sense for House Republicans to wish him failurein tis second term. I hope Americans get this
its going to take 8 years to get the country in good shape. we can not give up on the president now we are on a roll. vote obama!!!!!!
A second Obama term will mean more socialization, more regulation, bigger government, more debt and less individual freedom. I think real revolution in this country is just around the corner.
I wish it could be different but I still would prefer the Pesident to Newt or Mitt...at least I know what I am getting, grid lock yes, but safer than what could be with with Nasty Newt. I will be satisfied with the current No Drama Obama as President , vs what is currently running in this newer meaner GOP. I do not like the tone and hate filled bias and the poorly veiled untruths from the candidates. I have never seen Obama preach hate, defend his policies but he is not mean about it.
If he wins and I wouldn't bet on him losing. The Republicans won't have a chance to take the White House in 2016 if they don't eat a lot of humble pie in the second four years of President Obama's presidency. They won't have a chance to change this Democracy into a country where the wealthy rule the poor. This one time Republican will not be voting Republican again, ever...When I found out my church denomination takes my tithe and sends lobbyist to Washington to support the neglect of taking care of the elderly, poor and the stranger in a one time Godly country, I was out raged.
Its depends on what happens in congress. If democrats take both chambers again I believe president Obama will be able achieve great things. If republicans win, they will continue to vote no on every piece of legislation the president or other Democrats try to pass just like they have since they took control of the House.
Keagan
Franklin, oh
I think except for a minority of dyed-in-the-wool conservative recalcitrants, reactionaries, big-business advocates, Libertarians and the Tea Party supporters, the rest of the country is fed up with a "do nothing" Republican controlled Congress and Obama will emerge victorious in the coming election, carrying a Democratic majority in both Houses of Congress along on his coat-tails. So there! You figure out the rest...
First terms are about getting re-elected and today we see some of decisions that President Obama has made that are far to the right and not exactly in accordance with his own political views just so that he can persuade the middle America that he is "Patriotic" and "Tough" enough to be re-elected. Second terms however are about leaving a legacy. I am hoping to see the results of why we voted for Obama in the first place by the end of his second term.
He will continue to push for more government into the private lives of all citizens. He will increase federal spending and the national debt will continue to rise.
It will probably start getting better once the House learns to cooperate more. But having a full Republican majority in Congress and President would Mortify me.
Needs to be blue, meaning Democratic. Without any support, nobody will be getting things done in this country. Republicans are just too numb headed and seem to be offspring of old school mafia bosses. Go Obama!
Pretty much like his first term, only worse.
Atlanta, GA
The President's "second term" will be dramatically different than his first. He will travel extensively throughout the world, collect scores of honorariums and pen a book about his only term in the White House. Michelle will get her husband back and the girls will re-connect with their father. It is all good.
A second term for President would be positive for the USA. From day 1 Obama reached out to the GOP but they refused to cooperate with the Pres on serious issues Obama have also made a few bi-partian appointment. The President have vision of the future while maintaining the present problems intact. As we all see from the debates the GOP doesn't have a solid plan for the future.All they have to say is bashing each other not talking about policies to advance the USA.ETc
As you mentioned, Jack, it depends how many Democrats get elected to Congress. President Obama can't do much if the Republicans are pulling on the rope. It's funny the Repubs are talking about class warfare and jealousy, when that's exactly what they are doing. Bush spent all the Surplus he inherited plus adding a HUGE debt, then cut taxes, mostly for the wealthy. This sets up for the next Republican step–cut the BIG three–Social Security, Medicare, and Defense.
If the same" let's not doing nothing "majority republican congress is in place" nothing will change. But if we vote out this tired congress, we may get something done. Let's face it being president, from I seen so far is just a figure head. No power to push congress. This congress had no plan to compromise. The focused has been to beat Oboma, not het this country back on track
If his second term is anything like the first, expect international misery for all- poor and rich alike. The president and his so-called congress antagonsits will be accreditted with destroying this great nation. I read somewhere, "when the wicked are in control the people mourn, but when the righteous are in control the people rejoice." Oh yeah, its in the bible. What a day when our leaders are terrorizing its own citizens.
I am optimistic and will vote for President Obama even though I am a registered Reagan republican. I hope the white party of the wealthy will recover from a bout of mental illness and delusion because it has caused great damage to our nation and has the potential to ruin us. No more unbridled capitalism and greed. Viva la freedom.
The GOP need to lose their EGO and work with the Pres to be Inclusive of ALL USA citizens it doesn't matter what background they're from such as Race Etnic group or sex orientation this is what make up America so we must use what weUSA have to move to the future.
In all honesty, the president is not the person who should be blamed for our problems. President Obama has attempted to keep every promise he made during his 2008 campaign, but the Republican held Congress has blocked him in all most every way possible and then blame him for not accomplishing anything. Congress is what's broken right now, not Obama and its time to give credit where credit is due. Obama's first term was not a failure and a second term could be what's needed to strengthen the middle class, better balance the Congress, and usher in a new generation of America as promised.
More of the same unless the house chills or maybe vote out a few of the Good Ol Boys. Could be Pres. Obama starts using, what is it Article 14 more than any President ever thought of using. This country cannot stand still because of a few bought politicians.
Hopefully things will go a lot better for him and for the country if average Americans finally get it and vote out the Tea Party and John Boehner. If that happens Congress can put the priorities where they belong, on the country's welfare and not be focused entirely on beating Obama in 2012. The Tea Party obsession with debt reduction is the wrong way to deal with our depressed economy.....look at Europe....have the austerity measures helped there? Their economy is on the downslide while ours is creeping upward.
Bubbles popped, jobs lost, debt grew, houses lost- America went in the wrong direction. Can we honestly expect one man to repair the state of the nation in one term? Ivy league or not, more time is needed.
1st of all. I get the impression that Obama is not really interested in another term. Sure he's going through the motions of campaigning for a re-election, but I think he will be satisfied with this 1 term. He got what he wanted, which was recogniition of being the 1st black to hold the office of president. But if he should get re-elected, why should he struggle anymore than he did in his 1st term? There wouldn't be any incentive for him to do anymore than he did in his 1st term other than his using of Air Force 1 to fly around the world to play golf. Maybe he's headed for the PGA.
As long as he get a Congress behind him, he will have a functional administration, but as long as the Republican's block any and everything he puts forward, it will be the same as it has been. The problem is not the President not getting things done, it is Congresses bullheadedness. The President, no matter which party, needs a Congress that is willing to compromise.
Obama thinks to himself, "What a wonderful world"
added jobs, economic growth, a flat tax for all
minus Congress controlled by the 1% and Iran.
Then the groundhog wakes up indicating 'four more years".
The OBSTRUCTIONISM of the Congress is taking down the trust of the American people. We elected people in good faith to do what is best for this country, not themselves. President Obama is the only sane person in this whole campaign. We are all sick of the REALITY SHOW group of candidates throwing barbs at the Presidency. Politics is the ART OF COMPROMISE but it is based on the premise that we are dealing with mature, educated representatives not a bunch of arrogant novices .
I don't want to find out!!!!
We know who's been nauthgty or nice - we're not dumb.
We need to get rid of the HELL NO CAUCUS and put reasonable humans in the House. Then this country will once again hummmmmmmm.
He won't roll over and play dead for the GOP anymore. President Obama tried but if the GOP did not get everything they wanted, they stomped like little children. So much could have gotten done but they deliberately stonewalled anything our President tried and some of his ideas coincided with previous GOP ideas. I hope he does win along with a Democratic congress so we can get this country rolling. The divide in this country is not over how much one person makes, it is over how those with power keep pushing everyone else down into the ditches. How many of the rich cats in Congress have even mentioned giving up their lifetime paid retirement pay and benefits... No....But they want ours!!!!
Is everybody who watches CNN this blind or are they far left leaning Marxist like Obama. Come on people, he will institute a strict Social doctrine that will create true class warfare, because that is what marxist do. He will bypass congress and create a type of dictatorship, but none of you will see that, because of bling allegiance. All I can do is pray that he is not re-elected.
The only job that Republicans in Congress have done consistently since Obama’s presidency is thwart his every effort to pass legislation that benefits the low and middle class. For nearly four years they’ve been able to put a tourniquet on Obama’s success. Despite that Obama has staved off disaster with the American Investment and Recovery Act, passed comprehensive healthcare, killed America’s most wanted terrorist, and brought our troops home from Iraq. In Obama’s second term, Congress will know that America can not afford four more years of their bickering, nonsense, and infighting and will finally have to give in and work together for America and not their own foolish pride.
When he wins overwhelmingly and the democrats have a substantial majority in Congress, the country will prosper and republicans will quit telling us "what the people want"
President Obama's second term would look differently if our country was all working together for the same common cause. Washington does not want to change. The "good Ol Boys club was knocked down in 2008, but Americans don't want to sacrifice and cut back from living off of thier credit cards and start living off of the cash. So in 2010 we put Republicans right back in place and they told us what they were out to do. We don't want to cut back on our lifestyles, and everything is going up but our payroll. If we would seriously consider the concept instead the color of his skin.
. If Obama gets another term, we'll all be jobless and on food stamps. The man has demonstrated that he hasn't a clue what it takes to LEAD a nation. A 2nd term would be a one way trip to socialism, higher taxes and the death of the American way of life.
Jack, we need to read between the lines. Sucking up to Warren Buffet and his secretary (who will be in attendance, maybe sitting next to the First Lady) means he will be spending his "second term" in Omaha with Berkshire Hathaway.
That depends if the electorite put in a congress that want to work for the people not for the corperations. But, mostly it will be paying the over due bills. From the GOP's mess. If he gets a congress who will work with him not against the people, the country can be saved.
The GOP and Tea Party split, Democrats and Republicans unite to demand Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid resign, and Obama is impeached for ignoring the Supreme Court's decision in favor of religious freedom over abortion.
I always thought a four year term was not long enough. Especially when the previous President left this county in hole to start with. When policies, bills approved and put in place take time. With two wars and credit rating down graded the time to pull out the mess. I hope the president gets a chance to finish what he started. The middle class is be coming extinct and the rich is trying ritcher...... Upside-down and unfair.
The only significant change would be to get Congress back in Democratic hands. It's strange to me that very little is being said about that in local fights here. Oh yes, and Obama needs a landslide to pull this off. I'm not sure that's impossible.
We'd kiss our freedoms good bye and watch all those unfunded equality programs bankrupt us. Basically DOOM!
Obama seeks political asylum in Canada. Canadian Immigration cannot validate authenticity of birth certificate.
There will be no difference in a second term! I'm an African American who voted for Obama, with naive eyes, to just how hateful white America can be towards a person of color, in the highest office in the land! This President has been totally disrespected by a majority of white Americans, and completely handcuffed by both houses of congress since the day he was sworn into office. No president in the history of this country has ever had to deal with so much hatred, and so many obstacles, in getting cooperation on anything done, even things that previous presidents were afforded! If I were advising the President of what to do next, and I don't presume to do so. I would advise him to just walk away. He already made history, and he owes me, and the rest of America absolutely nothing! He gave it his best effort, and I for one am extremely proud of him! Until white Americans get serious about race, and admit to themselves, and have an honest conversation that racism not only exist, but it's alive and well. Nothing in this country will ever change. It's truly a shame, because I believe America is better than that! Maybe I'm still naive?
We live in a nation that increasingly wants to hoard guns, thump Bibles, take away a woman's right to choose, rape and pillage the planet without acknowledging the damage and barge into and destroy nations that don't play by our rules. What could Presient Obama possible do with us in his second term besides holding his head in grief and frustration?