Flash: OBAMA IS PRESIDENT!!!

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

I'm willing to give him the chance to show his stuff (not like I have any real choice in the matter) before I change my opinion, which is that things are going to go on pretty much as they always have, with one side trying to convert the country to what they think is best, and the other side doing everything they can to stop it for the very same reason.

I fear that Obama's space for action is incredibly small, due to the bad state of the economy, the finacial situation with the stellar debts, and two wars also costing money. This really handcuffs his freedom to act.

There is no guarantee that he will succeed with all that he promised, and in his victory speech you already see that he is aware of problematic situation. but I thzink that MaCCain made a much weaker figure during campaign when it came to economics, and had no clear line, while Obama gives me the impression that he is more thorough and more competent in the matter. Of the two, he has the better chances I think to get some needed things moving (that's why I said as an American I would have preferred him). but a guarantee it is not. the heritage that Bush leaves behind after 8 years, is very, very huge and pressing.

As you said, let's give Obama a fair chance, and I am even willing to accept that europe will need to invest and sacrifice some things as well to assist him, even if it is only to support him, but is not reflecting our view on things. Because it would be better for all of us if he succeeds indeed. Wishing him bad, like some here do, for simple reasons of bipartisanship, is stupid and self-damaging, and - what might be especially important to Americans doing so - it is antipatriotic and puts ideology and party above country. Give the man a fair chance. It can only become better, at worst, things stay as miserable as they are.

You are a historian? Hobby, or professionally? If the latter, where do you work, in what function, and what are your fields of special interest?