Obama Palooza: How Long Will The Honeymoon Last?
January 19, 2009 / 12:24 pm • By Dr. Melissa ClouthierHow long can the Obasm last? That’s the question before us and that’s the question that provoked spirited debate among some friends this weekend.
Friends argued that the honeymoon would be short because Obama wouldn’t be able to keep his promises, that the economy would stink, and that people are fickle. Voters turn quickly when things don’t go their way. They are self-interested and when a leader disappoints them, they turn on the leader. George Bush was used as an example. He had huge approval ratings after 9/11 but look how it turned out.
I argued that the Obama love would last four years. Why? Because his voters voted for him not for his ideas. He didn’t really articulate specific plans. He just gave vague promises. Voters were so enamored with the idea of him and he’ll be around for four years, so the love will continue. The Press and the voters, too, imbued Obama with so much wonderfulness that to turn on him is to turn on their own perfect judgment. Since the vote was essentially narcissistic and people don’t hate themselves, Obama will be loved for a good long time.
This is the difference between Democrat and Republican voters. The Republicans have expectations. George Bush’s approval ratings dipped so low because those in his own party disapproved of his policies. No such discontent will happen with Obama. If Obama changes his mind or governs in a way that surprises Lefties, they will assume he is doing what must be done for the noblest of reasons. Since he can’t be wrong, they won’t be disappointed. Well, that’s my theory anyway.
Who’s right?
