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Obama's 10 Best Moves and 5 Worst Stumbles So Far
Ron Edmonds / AP Photo
He's had enough success to be polling better than a fairy-tale hero right now, but if his miscues start to add up, his popularity rating may fall to "troll."
Barack Obama has on balance had a very strong and mostly successful debut as president. In fact, he is currently polling better than leprechauns and unicorns. Really, you can look it up.
It’s been part substance, part style. From my admittedly skewed perch, a top ten list of reasons why Obama is off to a good start (and five of his biggest mistakes):
10. Socializing inside the Beltway: Obama’s forays outside the White House into D.C. have struck a winning note (from half-smokes at Ben’s Chili Bowl with the mayor to dinner with Michelle at Equinox) and seemed to signal a president who is accessible and is not holding a city that wants to love him at arm’s length.
Obama showed grace, class, and smarts by hosting a dinner the night before the inauguration honoring Sen. John McCain.
9. Snow Day Critique: Anyone who has ever lived in a city where winters actually happen cheered when Obama made fun of Washington, D.C.’s propensity to shut down schools at the mere sign of frost. Malia and Sasha even joined in the act, suggesting that in Chicago not only would they have been in school, they would have been forced outside onto the playground. And, speaking of snow, how about them Steelers? Very refreshing to have a president declare a favorite in the Super Bowl.
8. Dinner with conservatives at George Will’s house, Republicans at the White House: Obama is keeping his enemies close and smothering them with love and attention. Doesn’t mean they’ll lighten up on him or even offer up a single vote on important legislation (see, ahem, the House stimulus vote), but he deserves credit for this “outreach,” and over time, if he keeps it up, it will pay dividends.
7. Freezing the pay of White House staff: Leading by example, Obama froze the pay of 100 White House employees who make more than $100,000 a year. “Families are tightening their belts, and so should Washington,” sayeth Obama.
6. Retention of Bush Defense Secretary Robert Gates: In a single stroke, Obama proved he is willing to be bipartisan, that he has the backbone to stand up to the left, and he sent a strong signal to our military and the rest of the world that America won’t be waving a white flag in Iraq. A very pragmatic and smart move. People on both sides of the aisle who know Gates are unanimous in their praise of his intelligence and character. Not to mention his ability to manage two wars.
5. New lobby rules: Obama’s rules barred federal lobbyists from contributing to or raising money for the transition effort. Those who left the transition team were barred for a year from lobbying the incoming administration on matters related to their transition jobs, and current lobbyists who joined the team were barred for 12 months from working in policy fields related to their lobbying work. Obama’s ethics rules also declared that ex-lobbyists in his administration couldn’t work on issues they lobbied on for two years, a rule on which he has demonstrated some flexibility.
4. Appointment of Hillary Clinton as secretary of State: Naming Hillary Clinton secretary of State was a smart two-fer: a) By effectively kicking Senator Clinton upstairs, Obama elegantly co-opted a once and potentially future rival; and b) The nomination likely blunted any residual resentment among Hillary supporters against Obama for “usurping” the presidency from eschewing petty rivalries in favor hiring people who can get things done.
3. Dinner honoring Sen. John McCain: Obama showed grace, class, and smarts by hosting a dinner the night before the inauguration honoring Sen. John McCain. I’ve said before that McCain’s best days in the Senate could be ahead of him. He could be a bridge for Obama to the Republican Senate. And so far, Obama has played him like a violin. On the other hand, McCain isn’t just rolling over, standing up for his principles on issues like the stimulus, Timothy Geithner’s confirmation, and Obama’s relaxation of his lobby rules for William Lynn.
2. Al Arabiya TV Interview: Obama’s decision to hold his first interview as commander in chief with an Arab network was a very smart move, sending a message that he wanted to “listen” and not “dictate.” Although largely symbolic, the gesture met a terrific reception from a culture that cherishes relationships. In Middle Eastern news venues like Al-Jazeera, Cairo's Al-Ahram newspaper, and Al Arabiya news, the tone in which the United States is depicted already shows signs of shifting. But The Washington Post’s Jim Hoagland characterizes the gesture with a dose of needed reality: “President Obama repeatedly extended his hand to the world’s Muslims in his first 10 days in power. His respectful tone and gestures toward Arab states in particular were as welcome as they were deft. But it would be a mistake to conclude that the gears of history have shifted and what Americans have come to call the ‘war on terror’ is over.”
1. Inauguration: Wow. It seemed more like a modern-day Woodstock than a political inauguration. Incredible choreography and images. No one will remember the speech, which fell short of expectations, but no one will forget the pageantry, the theatrics, the energy, the excitement and the catharsis of electing America’s first African-American president. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was proud of America on inauguration day. And if they weren’t, they shouldn’t be here.
But Obama has also had his stumbles. And put together a few stumbles, and next thing you know, you’re falling. Fall a few times, and next thing you know, you’re more unpopular than gnomes and trolls (you can’t look it up yet, but just wait). Being leader of the free world these days is hard business, no matter who you are.
Not enough for a top ten yet, but here’s five:
5. Richardson for Commerce: Oops. The normally buttoned-up Obama operation dropped the vet on this one. Or Richardson mishandled. Either way, it was the first stick in the until-then smoothly running transition spokes.
4. A tax problem here, a tax problem there, pretty soon you got problems: Let’s be honest, at any other time, under any other administration, Tim Geithner would have been bounced the minute his tax problems got flagged. And now we learn that Tom Daschle has his own problems. Not as significant as Geithner’s problems, and most people probably care more about the elite perception of being chauffeured around D.C. than not paying the taxes for it. But Clinton dumped Zoe Baird and George W. Bush dumped Linda Chavez for a lot less. And what about transparency and disclosure? Obama’s team had information about Richardson, Geithner, and Daschle for months and chose to sit on it.
3. If you’re going to have strict lobbyist rules, abide by them: Obama has already broken his own lobby edict with the appointment of William J. Lynn III as deputy secretary of Defense. Lynn spent the last two years lobbying for defense contractor Raytheon. Even Sen. Carl Levin, Democrat of Michigan, is critical of the choice: “Given the president’s new stricter rules requiring his appointees to recuse themselves from matters or issues on which they have lobbied, the Senate Armed Services Committee will need further information before proceeding with the nomination of William J. Lynn III to be deputy secretary of Defense.” And another Democrat, Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, questions the notion of recusal: “You can’t just recuse yourself from huge programs at the Pentagon if you’re going to do that job.”
2. If you mention Rush, expect a blitz: Obama told Republican lawmakers to stop listening to Rush Limbaugh, which had the effect of taking a bat to a hornets' nest. Wrong strategy.
1. Take My Stimulus, Please: This bill is like a rotting corpse. Every day this thing sits out in the sunlight, it starts to stink more. Public support has already dropped below 50 percent. It’s impossible to get everyone to salute an omnibus bill like this, but as the details get more examination, there seems to be growing evidence that there’s not all that much stimulus in the stimulus. Zero votes from Republicans in the House. Youch. Without some serious concessions in the Senate, the potential grows that Republicans in the Senate could follow the lead from their colleagues in the House and vote in lock-step against the bill.
Mark McKinnon is vice chairman of Public Strategies and president of Maverick Media. He is also co-chairman of Arts & Labs, a collaboration between technology and creative communities that have embraced today’s rich Internet environment to deliver innovative and creative digital products to consumers.
How Rich People Smoke Pot
Paul Schrodt is a writer living in New York City. He has contributed to New York magazine, Radar, and Esquire.com.
Justice Clinton?
As vice chairman of Public Strategies and president of Maverick Media, Mark McKinnon has helped meet strategic challenges for candidates, corporations and causes, including George W. Bush, John McCain, Governor Ann Richards, Charlie Wilson, Lance Armstrong, and Bono. McKinnon is co-chair of Arts & Labs, a collaboration between technology and creative communities that have embraced today's rich Internet environment to deliver innovative and creative digital products to consumers.
Justice Clinton?
As vice chairman of Public Strategies and president of Maverick Media, Mark McKinnon has helped meet strategic challenges for candidates, corporations and causes, including George W. Bush, John McCain, Governor Ann Richards, Charlie Wilson, Lance Armstrong, and Bono. McKinnon is co-chair of Arts & Labs, a collaboration between technology and creative communities that have embraced today's rich Internet environment to deliver innovative and creative digital products to consumers.
Myra Adams is a media producer, writer and political observer. Her media clients have included national associations, political interest groups and corporations. She was on the creative team with Mark McKinnon that created the now infamous John Kerry "Windsurfing" ad for the Bush 2004 presidential campaign and served on the McCain Ad Council during the 2008 McCain campaign. Myra's web site www.TheJesusStore.com contributes all profits to Christian charity.
Grill Him Again!
As vice chairman of Public Strategies and president of Maverick Media, Mark McKinnon has helped meet strategic challenges for candidates, corporations and causes, including George W. Bush, John McCain, Governor Ann Richards, Charlie Wilson, Lance Armstrong, and Bono. McKinnon is co-chair of Arts & Labs, a collaboration between technology and creative communities that have embraced today's rich Internet environment to deliver innovative and creative digital products to consumers.
Not a Game-Changer
As vice chairman of Public Strategies and president of Maverick Media, Mark McKinnon has helped meet strategic challenges for candidates, corporations and causes, including George W. Bush, John McCain, Governor Ann Richards, Charlie Wilson, Lance Armstrong, and Bono. McKinnon is co-chair of Arts & Labs, a collaboration between technology and creative communities that have embraced today's rich Internet environment to deliver innovative and creative digital products to consumers.
Bamos99
"If his miscues add up...". Pardon me for being a bit leary of you Mark as you have plied your trade as a Repugnican for so long it's not true and now you have found Jesus. At first blush you appear as a disengenious opportunist and on second blush as a fraud. Your faint praise is simple to me. I have never thought Conservatives/Repugnicans actually had any values (see frugal spending, small government, constitutionally protected rights in time of war, the Southern Strategy, et al) other than lower taxes for the wealthy (how noble of you.) and a learning disabilty as to the state nature of medical regulation (see abortion). You will keep track to damn and not for any higher purpose. We know you here in Texas partner and know a snake when we see it. That doesn't mean I don't love your writing, I do. But I loved Atwater's and Roves' analysis also. I just know that it comes from the bile and not from the heart. Have a nice day.
dixie-chik
"Elite" is becoming the most over used word in the English language. It shows up consistently in articles written by elite media and elite commentators who use it as a perjorative. Is "elite" the new "liberal?"
Bulldoglover100
Gosh you were doing so well...all the way up until you came out of the closet as a right wing Republican slamming the stimulus yet without any plan to fix the economy other than gripe about those who are working at it.
Is it perfect? nope but it is better than doing nothing which is what the Republicans are touting. Oh that;s right they also want to cut taxes for the rich so the trickle down event will happen....we have been waiting on THAT to work since Reagan and look where that got us!
Your writting is poor and your inserting your opinion in what was suppose to be jounralism reporting shows yet another reason why the Republican party stinks these days. An inability to do the job your are paid to do.
Bulldoglover100
Perhaps as Colbert says, Mark's parents may have been breeding for stupid?
DoctorB
Daily Beast should have a higher standard than to publish a piece like this one. Nothing new. Another GOP hitman looking for a steady job?
Denjudge
I agree 100% with Dixie-Chik's comments...."Elite" is way overused. BillO the Clown was using it way too much several years ago. You always hear about the "Washington elite"; the "liberal elite"; the "media elite"; the "Hollywood elite"; etc., etc. As far as the latter is concerned, is Mel Gibson part of the "Hollywood elite"??? Apparently not, because he is a Republican...."Elite" is used as a perjorative word, and it is used to mean "liberal."
MikeLicht
Republican or Democrat, Steeler or Cardinal fan,Vegan or carnivore, now is the time to give our new President the remote control.
Gimme some uh them chips, though.
See http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/superbowl-veg-out/
AInfante
The World According to McKinnon might be what Tina & Co. were thinking of when they positioned TDB brand with the nifty disclaimer: 'SKIP THAT'.
5 Reasons Why this bloviated flimflam presented as commentary should be skipped:
1. You are boring.
2. You click and paste topline news that has been aggregated ad nauseum and present it as commentary, one should consider PowerPoint when being as indolent and dull.
3. Lying Hubris is part of the playbook that brought our country to the brink, it also is the communication tactic that just had its ass kicked.
4. "No one will remember the speech which fell short of expectations" supports reasons 1-3.
5. Messing with Rush is a bad idea? Really? I thought the only folks who took him seriously were his drug mules and tailor.
baigge
What's this about Obama playing McCain like a violin? Give McCain some credit! I agree that it was decent of Obama to have a dinner on the eve of his inauguration honoring McCain, but it was also decent of McCain to attend and give such a gracious speech. And it didn't lull McCain into signing onto Obama's excesses, particularly in light of the Democrats' lack of real bipartisanship when it comes to the stimulus package. Another item that should have been listed as a stumble was Obama's saying "I won" as a justification for rejecting the input of Republicans. I think he'll live to regret that.
EdinNJ
Can this fool McKinnon ever write a reality-based article? This is exhibit A as to why the Republicans have lost all relevancy outside the punditocracy that seems to feel what they say is important.
Rush Limbaugh has a 23% favorability rating and it is proven that he is an albatross when hung around a candidate's neck. He supported Romney and Clinton and we got McCain and Obama. Obama has brilliantly tied the very unpopular (except for the dittoheads that can't think for themselves) Limbaugh to every Republican in Congress, so to say it was wrong to bring him into the discussion is just plain stupidity.
Further, the stimulus package is favored by over 60% of the electorate, not less than 50%, so that's just a lie to support a false premise. On top of that, the stimulus is even more popular in right-leaning states and districts and is overwhelmingly supported by Republican governors. So fight it all you want, to your further demise.
At least the Daily Beast is contributing to McKinnon's wingnut welfare, because he should be unemployable given his track record of failure and poor analysis.
janet1003mn
You put Rush Limbaugh at number TWO??? Who are you kidding??? Hell, to even include him on the list of Obama's "stumbles" calls your judgment into question! Rush Limbaugh is the Michael Moore of the far right. A bloviating blowhard. A college dropout. A hypocritical drug addict who would call for "compassion" for his weakness and "throw-the-book-at-'em" drug sentences for everyone else. A war-mongering draft "avoider." A thrice-divorced standard bearer of "family values." A former director of promotions at one of the most underachieving franchises in all of major league baseball -- the KC Royals -- who dares to ridicule a Harvard-educated lawyer/community organizer but is self-appointed head cheerleader for a bubblehead like Sarah Palin. (Who, by the way, is in D.C. right now with her hand out LIKE ALWAYS, pushing for that stimulus package that Limbaugh so opposes so her federal-tax-welfare-beholden state can get its share of the "Federal Dole.") Rush Limbaugh preaches to the choir -- and is beyond irrelevant to moderates, independents or swing voters who make up the majority in this country. Elected Republican officials heed him at their own peril. Also, Limbaugh operates best in the dark. With rare exception, he won't even debate a caller on-air who disagrees with him. The vast majority of Americans don't listen to him and certainly don't want him having any hand in policy decisions. By shining a light on him, Obama effectively rallied the majority of Americans who find him offensive or ridiculous or both. They may not like the stimulus package in its current form, but the majority shudder at the thought of counting on Rush to "save the day."
jeffzekas
Mr McKinnon: excellent observations. As an Obama supporter, I have cringed at the so-called stimulus package, which has evolved into a pork barrel demo package. And yes, folks, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity DO affect many people... even my liberal hippy wife heard Limbaugh's denouncement of Obama! As for me: I am taking a "wait and see" approach, hoping that Obama doesn't fall into "business as usual", which has happened with BOTH Republicans and Democrats. Again, to quote President Obama: "We are not red states, we are not blue states, we are all Americans." And right now, the Americans in my small town had two more stores close on Main Street, I am getting a 10% pay cut from my boss, and there are repo signs on houses all over town.
xbainx
I think this article is good. But the Stimulus will pass, and so will others Obama proposes. If we can go into debt to build roads in Iraq, we can spare some coin for America you filthy Republicans.
But about Rush, He always says he has 20 million listeners. Now I find out it's more like 14 million. And I'm sure you'll find a few million listen to him just to get worked up. You know who else has a big following? The Jonas Brothers. And Jay-Z. Rush is nobody. There's a reason these dudes are on AM.
Tulku2
Two things... Just so as you know....? When real people hear "elite" we do an automatic translation to "rich and powerful". Not the same thing. Class resentment grows.
The other thing is it was a brilliant chess move to attack Limbaugh. The middle moved away from the "ditto heads" last week. Obama gave Rush a chance to come out and show his true colors. The Minotaur emerged and showed itself to be a rotting corpse.
djbuck
Limbaugh's daily audience is only a few million, as I understand it. Not insubstantial, but not 14 (or 20 million). Radio inflates its audience numbers by multiplying the daily audience by the number of days in the week the show is broadcast.
Dan
Thank you.
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