How many days has President Obama been in office? By now most people have heard the first 100 days critique of Barack Obama’s presidency and hopefully have constructed their own opinions as well. Dare I say the majority of the media’s responses have been tiresome at best? There is evidence that President Obama is still popular with the American people, yet his policies thus far have received a lower approval rating but remain in a benign majority.
This is the extent to which critiques of the President’s nascent government have gone, and it only highlights the idea that this “100 days” business is overrated and/or under covered. Because if we look back at the past 100 days through the media’s eyes, then we’ll most likely only remember the the Obamas’ supernew Portuguese Water Dog, Michelle Obama’s gardening expedition, and, of course, the “bow” to the Saudi King, among a few other sound bite and photo-op gems.
What affect did giving his first television interview on an Arabic news station have overseas, specifically on Arab nations? Most media outlets went as far as to mention that NBC’s feelings were hurt since they thought they had rights to the initial interview but none bothered to go in depth about the international response or even if it made any difference.
What about the auto, credit and banking industries and their policies that the Obama administration has openly denounced, i.e. boosting fees, etc.? Have these industries taken any steps to follow up on this besides asking for more money from the American people? This is another possible question to outline a critique of the President and his policies, but instead the media breaks down Obama’s NCAA picks and various cross cultural holidays celebrated at the White House.
Obama’s first 100 days have been filled with just what he said they would be filled with–change. And when a five-term senate seat holder (Arlen Specter) clearly in tune with his elderly side decides to get up and switch lanes, then it is safe to say some things are indeed changing.
For better or worse is really a question for the next generation of White House scholars, but if the past 100 days really is any indication of what is to come then we are in for a good show.