Issue Date: 1/20/09
Obama has what it takes, but change won't be fast
By Typhanie Sharfner
With the excitement that accompanies every new president elect, there is an assumption that they will be able to accomplish all their promises overnight.
"The first hundred days are usually what measures a president's success or failure," said Bill Jahnel, associate professor of history.
However, every new president inherits the successes and failures of the former and Obama is no exception. With the failing economy, the war in Iraq and a slew of other problems, he faces an uphill battle. "The change we seek" may not come for a while and we should be prepared.
President Bush is leaving behind a multitude of bad decisions that have created long-term problems for Americans.
"These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush," said Obama at the Democratic National Convention.
With the strength of the economy in question, many are concerned. "I'm worried about the economy and I don't know if Obama can fix it," said Palomar student Kyle Callahan.
Economists are even less hopeful Obama can bring about change in the near future. "The economy is like breathing," said economist Jennifer Pakula. "It expands and contracts. The cycle is unpredictable and there is no way of knowing when it will expand again."
Pakula warned: "I don't think it will happen in one year, or even one term. We need fundamental changes, it's not something you can snap your fingers and fix. We will start to see change, but in his second term is when we will see the hard work paying off."
Obama faces many challenges as president, but he's facing them realistically. In his acceptance speech Nov. 4 he told the enthusiastic crowd, "You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.
For even as we celebrate this week, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime: two wars, a planet in peril and the worst financial crisis in a century.
We need to stand behind our new president-elect knowing it will not happen overnight. Necessary change will come but it will take time.
We need to have patience and unite to support our president. We have spent eight years as a divided country; now is the time to come together.
"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term," said Obama in his acceptance speech. "But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. This is our victory."
That's just the kind of mindset this country needs.
"The first hundred days are usually what measures a president's success or failure," said Bill Jahnel, associate professor of history.
However, every new president inherits the successes and failures of the former and Obama is no exception. With the failing economy, the war in Iraq and a slew of other problems, he faces an uphill battle. "The change we seek" may not come for a while and we should be prepared.
President Bush is leaving behind a multitude of bad decisions that have created long-term problems for Americans.
"These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush," said Obama at the Democratic National Convention.
With the strength of the economy in question, many are concerned. "I'm worried about the economy and I don't know if Obama can fix it," said Palomar student Kyle Callahan.
Economists are even less hopeful Obama can bring about change in the near future. "The economy is like breathing," said economist Jennifer Pakula. "It expands and contracts. The cycle is unpredictable and there is no way of knowing when it will expand again."
Pakula warned: "I don't think it will happen in one year, or even one term. We need fundamental changes, it's not something you can snap your fingers and fix. We will start to see change, but in his second term is when we will see the hard work paying off."
Obama faces many challenges as president, but he's facing them realistically. In his acceptance speech Nov. 4 he told the enthusiastic crowd, "You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.
For even as we celebrate this week, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime: two wars, a planet in peril and the worst financial crisis in a century.
We need to stand behind our new president-elect knowing it will not happen overnight. Necessary change will come but it will take time.
We need to have patience and unite to support our president. We have spent eight years as a divided country; now is the time to come together.
"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term," said Obama in his acceptance speech. "But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. This is our victory."
That's just the kind of mindset this country needs.
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