10 Reasons Why American President Barack Obama May or May Not Be Re-Elected in 2012
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In early August 2010, American President Barack Obama's leadership style approval rating dropped to an all-time low for the third straight month. Even though, he made a valient effort to keep his campaign promises, it seems more American citizens became disillusioned with his presidential leadership style and policies. This article briefly discussess 10 reasons why president Barack Obama may or may not be re-elected in the 2012 American presidental election.
Do you think President Obama will be re-elected in 2012?
See results without votingDo you think President Obama should be re-elected in 2012?
See results without votingAmerican's Slow to Change Presidential Leadership
The first reason President Obama may be re-elected in the 2012 American presidential election is that American's tend to be slow to make changes in presidential leadership. Since Franklin Roosevelt was elected in 1932, the incumbent president has been re-elected at least once in all but three cases including John F. Kennedy who was assassinated. Those who were re-elected for another term included Roosevelt, three times; Harry Truman; Dwight Eisenhower; Lyndon Johnson; Richard Nixon; Ronald Reagan; William Clinton; and George W. Bush. Those not re-elected for another term since 1932 include Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush. So this pattern suggests that American President Barack Obama will be re-elected in 2012.
Do you think President Obama has attempted to keep his campaign promises?
See results without votingPresident Obama Has Attempted to Keep His Promises
A second reason why President Obama may be re-elected to a second term in office is because he has worked hard to keep his campaign promises. Whether or not you agree with his policies or the final version of his legislative triumphs; American President Barack Obama has shown that for the most part he meant what he said in his campaign. He said he would pass health care reform legislation and he has. He said that he would pass financial reform legislation and he did. And, he said he would move the war from Iraq to Afghanistan and he has. No he has not yet done everything he set out to accomplish most important of which was to get American's back to work, but it was true that the financial mess he inherited was astronomical and ni one should have thought that he would be able to fix it overnight or even in 18 months.
Do you think President Obama has improved America's image around the world?
See results without votingAmerica's Image is Improving around the World
Another reason why President Obama may be re-elected in 2012 is that through his leadership style America's image is improving around the world. In his acceptance speech after the 2008 election, President Obama promised a more conciliatory approach to the world at-large. For the most part, he has delivered on that promise to the tune of the Nobel Peace Prize. At least other nations seem to think he is easier to work with than his predecessor.
Do you think President Obama looks presidential?
See results without votingPresident Obama Looks Good before the People
A fourth reason why President Barack Obama may be re-elected in 2012 is because he looks good as a representative of the American people. For the most part, he is bright, energetic, and when behind the teleprompter he seems eloquent and even inspiring.
President Obama Connects Well with the Web 2.0 Generation
A fifth reason why President Brack Obama may be re-elected in 2012 is because he connects will with the Web 2.0 generation. He is Social Media savvy and demonstrates that he understands the upcoming generations.
How would you rate President Obama on National Defense?
See results without votingPresident Obama Seems Weak on National Defense
One reason why President Brack Obama may not be re-elected is because he seems weak on national defense. Other heads of state in places like China, Russia, and of course Iran don't seem to take him seriously. Perhaps his humble conciliatory tone which is so admirable is also working against him. In the case of China, the problem lies more in the amount of American debt the Chinese hold which President Obama had nothing to do with. Since th Chinese hold so much American debt they seem to think they are holding all the cards and don't have to deal with the current American Administration.
Has President Obama kept his promise to curtail activities of special interest groups in Washington?
See results without votingHow would you rate President Obama's attempt to change how Washington operates?
See results without votingPresident Obama Has Been Unable to Curtail Interest Groups in Washington
A second reason why President Obama may not be re-elected is that he has been unable to keep his promise to curtail the activities of special interest groups in Washington, D.C. This is one of the campaign promises that President Obama made which he ahs been unable to impact in a significant way. This has been especially true of lobbyists from the Wall Street financial sector.
President Obama Seems To be Content with Symbolic Victories Rather Than Substantive Changes
A third reason why President Obama may not be re-elected in 2012 is that he seems to be content with symbolic victories rather than substantive changes. The health care reform bill has been heralded by proponents as a historical document because President Obama and his Democrat majority in Congress were able to pass the nation's first universal health care bill. They declared the same for their economic stimulus packages and their Wall Street financial reform bill. However, even the members of the media who supported Obama in 2008 like Arianna Huffington believe that these packages do not go far enough. And, of course those on the Republican side of the spectrum (including those who voted for Obama and change in 2008) believe the bills go too far.
Do you agree with President Obama's stance concerning a mosque at Ground Zero?
See results without votingPresident Obama's Willingness to Take the Unpopular Side of Controversial Issues
Another reason why President Obama may not be re-elected in 2012 is because of his willingness to take the unpopular side of controversial issues. This should be a reason to re-elect him, but sadly it will most likely work against him. This was most recently highlighted by his stanc eon the proposed mosque in lower Manhattan, New York. Even though the overwhelming majority of American's do not want a mosque opened at Ground Zero, Prseident Obama has rightfully stated that America is about Freedom of Religion and muslims should be able to open a mosque wherever they want. While he may be correct in terms of the U.S. Constitution, such unpopular stances on highly emotional issues like the happenings of 9/11 could work against President Obama being re-elected in 2012.
Has President Obama done enough to create jobs in America?
See results without votingIt's the Economy Stupid!
The fifth and perhaps most important reason why President Obama may not be re-elected in 2012 is that at least thus far he has not had much of an impact (if any) on the job's market. Perhaps, his stimulus packages have saved and or created public sector jobs, but he his impact on the private sector has been nil. People continue to feel the financial crunch and at least for the moment they do not see any relief in sight. Granted he inherited a financial mess that dates back to Reaganomics, but if President Obama cannot move the economy is a substantive way in the next two years, he most likely will not be re-elected in 2012. As former President Clinton realized, it's the economy stupid.
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LRCBlogger, thank you for your intelligent comments. You are obviously well informed on this subject. It's too bad that President's often get credit and blame for many things they have nothing to do with.
LRC, you are so right. Everyone blames Bush, when there was a democrat controlled congress where every bill come through the democrat congress, and the democrats controlled the Fannie Mae which was one of the problems. in the housing failures. Frank and Dodd would have been fired in a real job.
We finally agree on one thing. How with the democrats controlling everything right now, there is no one else to blame but them.
Keep on hubbing!
Thank you for this well informed Hub. Because of those who are frenzied against the President of the United States, I hesitate to comment. Rarely do these who choose blindness ever give credit where credit is due. It is a shame. Our Nation was given a Gift in the Obama family and Administration. For those who check facts for themselves, the Government is very open. So few remember the "Age of Silence" 2002 - 2005. Peace
They might have recieved a little tax cut this year, but next year, taxes will rise. Overall, a tax increase. And it is just starting. More taxes are coming.
Keep on hubbing!
lillygrillzit and eovery, thank you for your interaction. I appreciate both of your points of view. One does wonder how the federal government will ever be able to balance the budget, let alone actually operate in a surplus. How does a sitting President inspire a nation and their Congressional representatives to find the right balance between national defense, stimulus for job creation, and the right amount of government services?
I guess it goes to one's definition of government. My definition of government is "government exists to provide an atmosphere within which every citizen has the opportunity to grow and thrive at their optimal level." Government does not have to do it for their citizenry but only provide the foundation or atmosphere by which personal dreams can be accomplished.
What do you think or feel about this statement? What is your definition of government?
In the US, the Government are those we put and leave in office. The failing of Congress can be summed up in one of my favorite sayings, "People don't do what you Expect, they do what you Inspect" Most people in the US would be hard pressed to name the VP, let alone their States HReps and Senators...the Government is out of control, because people don't want to make an effort to stay on their Representative. I promise you, my Senators and Reps know my name, as well as the President, most of the Administration...not because I am 'somebody', but because I keep track of their voting records, I hounddog 'em.
LillyGrillzit, thank you replying to my question. I wish more people were as involved as you.
I think I may have asked the wrong question. I think the question I wanted to ask is "What do you think is the role of government?" What is the ultimate purpose of government?
hmmm! I am not an american and I do not live there, but definitely, this hub is very informative. Nevertheless, I still go with one particular point here. americans should please give him a break. I follow yahoo news and if you read comments relating to any Obama news, you read more than 78 negative comments out of every 100. Why is this so? Why not support him? The people deserve its goverment because everyone is a stack holder and hence involved in one way or the other, therefore is part of the government. I read a yahoo news about the Oil Spillage when it fisrt started, and you'll be surprised to read so many dumb comments there. It is ridiculous. Yeah he isn't perfect but all that is quite unnecessary. Go to the jokes segment of this great site and see a post tagged "Obama Jokes" Hmm! I reserve my comments there. But all in all what I am saying is simple. From all the summing I have experienced from concerned Americans, I think they are just too hard on him. And also, I am sure the economy will be very strong in the next two years.
Great hub...
There are too many of the right things in place and it appears he will be re-elected. There was an expert on election results and the way the economy was, unemployment, dept of defense, and the nation's overall situation. He said that 7 out of 12 things were in place and the same for all other presidents when they were elected. I wish I could remember the man's name and the article, but it was on AOL news.
Mikki, lol. thank you for stopping by and sharing. I have listened to a few extra commentaries since writing this and it seems all believe the President's re-election depends on the economy in 2012. Many of them see the economy rebounding by that time, so you might be right.
A lot of good points in here, and great use of the poll capsules!! Loved it!
anna marie, thank you for visiting and posting your encouraging comment.
In one of the polls above, the question is "Do you think President Obama has improved Americas image throughout the world? " I can see that 58% of people said no? I would just like to say that if you answered no to that question, you need to seek a better education. Read a few international newspapers. Wake up and smell the coffee. The rest of the world is not as ignorant as you.
ecoggins - Nice work. I must say that I almost crunched a tooth when I came to the campaign promise question. There isn't anything worse than a "NO?" In light of what I, myself, reported on this very day I had to force myself to keep doing your poll past that one question But...
I got er done!
Up, useful and awesome.
The Frog
The Frog Prince, Thank you for your comments. I want to think that everyone who chose to participate in the survey had to struggle over that question. Whether one considers themselves a conservative or liberal, republican or democrat, the honest observer would have to admit that Obama did in fact at least try to keep most of his campaign promises. The ones he did not attempt to accomplish were those he had no control over such as reforming the way things are done in D.C.
ecoggins - He just blatantly broke another one and the US Constitution. I just wrote about so won't get into it on your Hub.
The Frog
Mr. Frog Prince, I read your hub and stand corrected.
there is no chance for Obama to win as we see.
but he will win, wouldnt that be a miracle?
i will explin it more after his re-election.
just remember he will win no matter what.
but this time they will probally try to kill him,
that will not happen because the prophecy needs to be fullfill.
@ ecoggins you are very wise not to answer koimn's comment - could bring a voodoo curse upon you! (where do they come from?) I on the other hand am immune to voodoo cause I have a thick shell, I mean skin.
ecoggins-
Good insight! I think alot of your analysis still applies. He seems to have angered voters on both sides of the political spectrum, has failed to impact the private sector positively and I doubt he'll be able to tact right like Bill Clinton did.- WBA
Thanks be president Obama,for his efforts to save Africans from repressive rulers like Gadafi. so Great Americans give him another chance please.
crazy
The numbers are the only reason needed to get Obama out of office in the next election - read them and weep!
tsadjako, thank you for the math lesson. No doubt things have gotten worse, but they were bound to get worse before they got better; no matter who was in the White House. Check out my comparison of the first three years of Reagan's first term with the first three years of Obama's first three years. In terms of percentages, they are nearly identical. In fact, Reagan's first three years were slightly less effective than Obama's in terms of the numbers pointed out in the video from Fox news. Hmm..interesting...President Obama made it clear that the road was not going to be easy. Home values shrink ebb and flo in 14-year cycles. Seven years up and seven years down or stagnant. They were bound to plummet because they were massively overinflated during the later years of the Bush administration.
Funny you compare Reagan and Obama as if they instituted similiar "stimulus" plans when both approaches to the economy are diametrically opposed and could never give the same results. Reagan's worked and Obama's is making things worse and won't work in the end - time will tell - but you overlook another major difference - Reagan wasn't a pathological liar.
Really...(let me play the devil's advocate for a few moments for like you I am for less taxes and smaller government)...shall we talk about the "Oops, I'm sorry I don't remember that" Iran-Contra affair? I'm not saying Reagan was a pathological liar, but it does seem like he played with the truth here and there. Interestingly we all thought the Iranians released the hostages because they were afraid that Reagan was going to go in and blast the Republican Army to smitherines. Turns out he bribed them with an arms deal that he funneled through drug runners in Panama and Nicaragua. What is more, very few administrations had as many key members indicted like Reagan's in his second term starting with Casper Weinberger, Edwin Meese, and Oliver North.
Still, I agree with your point that the approaches were/are fundamentally different. Obama turned to a public sector supported recovery; Reagan a private sector recovery. Still, after Obama seized GM and forced its reorganization it is now thriving again (the Volt notwithstanding). History tells how Reagan's reforms worked out with iffy results by the way. Since Obama's policies have not completely played out, no one can say for sure if Obama's will work out for the better or the worse.
Examine the economic data side-by-side for their first three years and the numbers are nearly identical. Unemployement 8.5 to 8.5% (Unemployment under Reagan was over 10% for nearly one full year); deficit rose by nearly 51% under both.
Just because there are similarities in the numbers in the first three years is absolutely no reason and really deceitful to jump to the conclusion that the track we are on will turn out the same as Reagan's economy. That is a humongous leap and frankly totally illogical when the underlying fundamental approaches are scrutinized in light of what has been tried, succeeded and failed historically. Obama's policies have been tried in Europe and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see where it leads.
But I am glad to see you agree Reagan was not a pathological liar but we certainly have tons of evidence as to the character of this president who is a dispicable liar. http://obamalies.net/list-of-lies
Remember the interview Obama did with Rick Warren when Warren asked Obama "...at what point does a baby get human rights?" - remember Obama's answer ? If you don't here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3F7ZkoIeNM&feature
So tell me, how was it above his pay grade to answer that question while it was not above his pay grade to decide when to end the life of a fetus as his voting record showed? If he can not tell us when life begins how can he tell us when it can be destroyed? His answer was an arrogant insipid LIE and demonstration that this man is not a Christian but a wolf in sheep's clothing and ever since he has lived up to that description blatantly showing his arrogance and contempt for America and it citizens everytime he lies to our face as if we are too stupid to know.
This is a classic display of attribution theory at work. We tend to build up the guy we like and tear down the one we don't. We idolize the accomplishments of the guy we like and criminalize the efforts of the guy we don't. If the guy we like had a flaw we blame it on some circumstance outside his control. If the guy we don't like has a flaw then we attack his personal character and use superlatives and terms of hyperbole like "absolutely," "despicable," and "pathological." Unless you worked in the White House during the Reagan Administration, neither you nor I know whether Reagan was a pathological liar or not. I only said that "I am not saying he was a pathological liar." But, because I did not work with him on a regular basis, I do not know if he was or not. It does seem apparent that Reagan lied about selling arms to Iran.
Moreover, not condoning any of Obama's over statements listed on the site you posted, politics is politics and over exaggeration is the language of politics. There are plenty of articles on the Internet that expose the lies and missteps of Ronald Reagan, too.
I agree with you on the abortion issue and partial birth abortion but are you ready to stop all invitro fertiilzation? Are you ready to ask Christian women who cannot have children to stop taking Doctor assisted egg fertilization? Are ready to cry out against the freezing of embryos and the eventual throwing away of them when the mother finally conceives and does not need the eggs any more?
How about health care? One of the central characteristics of the Christian faith is compassion. What do you propose for the millions of children who don't have access to affordable healthcare? Should they go without and simply leave their care to "God's will"? Granted, Obama's health care plan did not make healthcare any more affordable. But, the point is we Christians make abortion the litmus test of a candidate's viability, but we rarely come up with solutions to help unwed mothers or sensible plans to provide care for the poor child who is already alive and suffering because of a common ear, nose, throat infection. You might point to neighborhood medical clinics and even the healthy families program for children. Those are mostly financed through welfare funds. Jesus sat with the least of these including tax collectors and sinners. How can right wing conservative Christians do a better job integrating compassion in their message?
The Republicans is responsible for the mess in the first place and along came Obama to create some order from the chaos that George Bush left us. As a result of their win-at-all-cost approach in 2012, they have set about a campaign of stifling the attempts by Obama to create much more jobs and much more economic progress by putting the rich, who controls most of the job opportunities, against the middle class for which Obama is dedicated to shielding from Republicans' onslaught. It will not be easy but he will prevail. He is a man of class and honesty unlike those greedy republicans who keep making the rich richer on the backs of the poor and middle class but gives back nothing except the crumbs of their tricle down economics. Americans aren't stupid and they will eventually see right through that lot.
I am thankful that someone put this up. I have to do an essay on this topic, did it, but I lost it. I used this to help me and i am using this in my works cited page.
why do u people be so rude about obama
President Barrack Obama has no accomplishments in his over three years in office. And this record of accomplishments is considerably more impressive that his Senatorial accomplishments.
Efforts are only accomplishments if they result in something that is beneficial.
i have a movie where obama admits he is a muslim why hasn't he been impeached
You have to admit 2008 candidate Obama ran as a centrist; after he was elected, his policies have demonstrated his far-left ideology. As far as truth and trustworthiness are concerned, it is non-existent in this adminstration. Its motto is "any means to an end" which is accomplished by intentional circumvention of the truth at all times on all matters. Read Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" for a real life description of the administration's tactics and overall strategy.
concernedcitizen, thank you for your insights and comments. You maybe right in some of what you say, but I'm pretty sure that no one intentionally circumvents the truth "at all times on all matters." First of all, it is difficult to define "truth" in this case because what most people label "truth" is not based on objective facts, but only so according to their own subjective perspective. In fact in the political arena, truth is labeled truth if and when the viewpoint or actions of another matches the viewpoint of the observer. I admit that in the last year President Obama has tested (and perhaps crossed)the lines of his constitutional powers, but that does not mean that his concerns and policies to address those concerns are based entirely on false premises which fuels the desire to be deceptive for the sake of deception.
LRCBlogger 21 months ago
Your last point is right on.
People don't pay a lot of attention to our elected officials unfortunately. This is evidenced by polling that shows 43% of Americans think Obama created the financial bailout, 31% of republicans think he is muslim, 98% of TEA Baggers do not know they received a tax cuts under Obama, and only a small percent of this country bothers to vote in the primaries.
However, as fickle as people are, if the economy is strong in 2012, he'll be re-elected. The president often incorrectly gets praise and blame for the economy.
Chances are, in 2+ years, we'll be in a much stronger economy and a lot of people will credit Obama for that.