Category: 
by Obama Pundit
Right now it appears that Obama’s Presidency is mired in a descending spiral that could get much, much worse. Not only are his approval ratings steadily falling, but his oratory appears to be faltering, with gaffes and improperly calibrated statements the order of the day.
So, things look bleak. Unless, of course, something happens.
Past Presidential first years weren’t always smooth, but there was almost always some sort of galvanizing event that knocked the mis-steps and errors off the front page, while setting a tone for the rest of the term.
George W. Bush, of course, had 9/11, the ultimate game changer. Much of the acrimony of the 2000 election was temporarily buried. Bill Clinton had a rough first six months, but then got some good news when it was revealed that the economy was humming in the fourth quarter of 1993. While he lost Congress, he survived to win reelection because the GDP was growing rapidly. Bush I kicked Noriega out of power, making him appear strong and resolute. Ronald Reagan got shot, which provided tremendous impetus to pass his economic program.
The problem with Obama is that he has taken on so much, so soon, he is sucking the air out of the news cycle. Despite what he claims, it really is all about him ane his legislative agenda, which at this moment is sorely lacking in clear-cut victories. No one expects a booming economic report any time soon. Any news out of the foreign policy sphere is likely to be bad. That leaves all-Obama, all the time.
Or so we think. We don’t know yet if Obama is one of those Presidents–like Carter and both Bushes–who will be cursed by bad luck, or one of those–Reagan, Clinton–who will be constantly saved from themselves by unforeseen good fortune.
I think we’ll see Obama’s approval ratings hit 40 percent by November and it will be largely the result of the legislative morass he has created. Whether he can dig his way out is the great unknown.
