Obama and Expections

      The expectations are very high for the incoming President Obama. He is expected to solve " toute suite ", all that ails America. It must be pointed out that he has so far not demonstrated the ability to walk on water.

     The American people are so beaten down, what with the two draining, devastating wars, the recession, the growing difficulties with the auto industry and falling employment, that they are hoping for a Messiah to lead them out of this quagmire and into the light. Obama promised much and he has to start delivering as soon as he takes office. He has made a good start, naming his team. He has made some astute choices in Emanuel, Axelrod and if it is true, Hillary for State, Holder for Atty. General and Daschle for Health and Human Services. These are tried and tested veterans. They have shown competence and have demonstrated that they can handle the tough tasks. Emanuel is tough as nails and is a bulldog. Axelrod is a loyal confidant. Holder has dealt with hard decisions as Deputy Attorney General,. Dashle was Senate Majority leader and Hillary has done it all.

      Kennedy had " the best and the brightest ", and they still got bogged down in Vietnam, but there is a difference. Most of Kennedy's advisers were academics, whereas those whom Pres.-elect Obama has chosen are " tried and tested " members of Congress and holders of important decision-making positions. It does not mean that they will solve all the problems overnight. There will be mistakes and setbacks, but with their feet firmly planted on the ground and with control of Congress and being part of an experienced and informed team, there will be less " group think ", less kowtowing and more robust inputs. Obama has made it clear that he wants people with strong positions, who will defend their ideas and his selection so far, including his choice of Biden as vice-president, is an indication of this.

      He is not in office yet, but the signals he is sending are very positive.