Good Question
What daring places might Obama go in a second term?
It has often been the case that significant political changes can only occur when a President plays against type. So only Nixon could go to China and only George Bush (41) could sign the 1990 Clean Air Act (the largest and most costly environmental statute ever enacted. Perhaps, by the same token, only a Democratic president could legitimize (and in some cases expand) the aggressive anti-terror policies of the Bush (43) Administration, as Obama has done. Are there plausible opportunities for President Obama to play against type in his second term? Entitlement reform? Trade? Something else? If so, what are they? And why are they plausible? Discuss.
Thoughts?
About the Author
Megan McArdle
Megan McArdle is a special correspondent for Newsweek and The Daily Beast covering business, economics, and public policy. A former senior editor at The Atlantic and writer for The Economist, Megan has a diverse work history including three small startups and a disaster recovery firm at Ground Zero.
More from The Daily Beast
Full Politics Coverage
Eye in the Sky
Drawing the Lines on Drones
‘Love Is the Law’
How Minnesota Won Gay Marriage
Civil Liberties
They’ll Come for You Next
SERIOUSLY IRONIC
Don’t Pretend You Care
Debating Obama's Immigration Announcement
Did Obama lock down the independent vote with his move to reform immigration law? Newsweek and The Daily Beast’s Michael Tomasky and David Frum debate the liberal and conservative perspective on the latest immigration reform.
Comments