# Can Barack Obama possibly meet these ridiculous high expectations? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 19, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041 "2009-01-19T21:31:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/1 "2009-01-19T21:31:12Z")
Actual wording on the CNN front page about Obama’s inauguration speech: **"…with some expecting his words to be chiseled into marble some day."** I honestly cannot think of anyone who has entered the Presidency, or any similar position anywhere else, with THIS level of messianiac - sorry, but it’s an appropriate metaphor - hopes attached to him. I don’t think this is Obama’s fault; sure, he campaigned on hope and change, and many people are tremendously relieved George W. Bush won’t be President anymore, but the level of craziness around this way exceeds anything he promised, and suggests people are expecting the guy to fix their economy, end all war, solve the Social Security problem, cure cancer and win the Masters by, oh, next Monday. I don’t think people were this bananas over Abraham Lincoln becoming President. I don’t think anyone thought about Martin Luther King when he was just getting into the civil rights movement, “This guy’s going to win the Nobel Peace Prize.” Is Obama doomed to disappoint _even if he does a good job?_ ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/2 "2009-01-19T21:37:38Z")
Yes, dudes do have very high expectations for Obama. Personally, I only _expect_ another Clinton. 🆒 I am concerned about the slight possibility of another Carter. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/3 "2009-01-19T22:02:21Z")
You know, I’m getting really annoyed with the argument I’ve been seeing lately on the internet and elsewhere. “You guys are saying that Obama’s the best President ever… and he hasn’t even been sworn in yet!” I’m not seeing it. All I’m seeing is people SAYING that’s what we’re saying. I’m also seeing tons of criticism of the man- before he’s had a chance to screw anything up. It’s just like during the election, when Obama supporters were constantly being accused of proclaiming Obama the Messiah. We didn’t- the only ones who mentioned “Obama” and “Messiah” in the same sentence were the people who voted for the other guy. We never said he was perfect. We just said that he was better than the other choice. ---
**Author:** ![brickbacon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/4 "2009-01-19T22:08:37Z")
I agree with what is written above. Plus, I would add that you tend to forgive the mistakes and shortcomings of people you like. Many people feel as if they know Obama, so they will give him the benefit of the doubt (like many people do Reagan). ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/5 "2009-01-19T22:09:32Z")
According to [this](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/us/politics/18poll.html?_r=2&hp), even people who are very optimistic about the Obama presidency are at least somewhat realistic with the time frame in which things will begin to get better. > [@NYT](#): > > While hopes for the new president are extraordinarily high, the poll found, expectations for what Mr. Obama will actually be able to accomplish appear to have been tempered by the scale of the nation’s problems at home and abroad. > > The findings suggest that Mr. Obama has achieved some success with his effort, which began with his victory speech in Chicago in November, to gird Americans for a slow economic recovery and difficult years ahead after a campaign that generated striking enthusiasm and high hopes for change. > > Most Americans said they did not expect real progress in improving the economy, reforming the health care system or ending the war in Iraq – three of the central promises of Mr. Obama’s campaign – for at least two years. The poll found that two-thirds of respondents think the recession will last two years or longer. I’d say the OP needs to come up with some actual examples of widespread unrealistic expectations for the Obama presidency. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/6 "2009-01-19T22:31:35Z")
The fact is that this is a _historic_ presidency, no matter if Obama disappoints. He’s the first African-American POTUS, and that’s an accomplishment that he’ll be remembered for no matter what he actually does. I think that’s what the headline is talking about with the “chiseled in marble” phrase. And frankly, for some LGBT folks, he’s already failed to meet our expectations. His handling of LGBT feelings even before he’s sworn in is kind of tone-deaf. While I don’t believe he’s actively shutting us out, he really needs to think about how some things look. ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/7 "2009-01-19T22:44:03Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Actual wording on the CNN front page about Obama’s inauguration speech: **“…with some expecting his words to be chiseled into marble some day.”** As you correctly pointed out, this is in reference to his Inauguration speech. I do think the expectations are pretty high here, as he has a very good team of speechwriters (himself included) and has a history of delivering a great speech at key moments. He wouldn’t be where he is today (tomorrow) without his speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention. There hasn’t been a comparable figure as President since Kennedy. Beyond that, as has been mentioned above, the “messiah” crap all comes from bitter Republicans, and I think most of his supporters just hope he can right the ship in his first term. ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/8 "2009-01-19T22:45:07Z")
I don’t think people are expecting all that you think they are. I think it’s more like someone who has been hitting their head against a bathtub and now with the end in sight are thinking “it sure will be great when I’m not hitting my head against this bathtub”. This person isn’t expecting to suddenly win the lottery just because their head is no longer hitting the bathtub, they just think it’s going to feel good not to be hitting their head. ---
**Author:** ![DanBlather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/9 "2009-01-19T22:47:40Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > The fact is that this is a _historic_ presidency, no matter if Obama disappoints. He’s the first African-American POTUS, and that’s an accomplishment that he’ll be remembered for no matter what he actually does. I think that’s what the headline is talking about with the “chiseled in marble” phrase. > > And frankly, for some LGBT folks, he’s already failed to meet our expectations. His handling of LGBT feelings even before he’s sworn in is kind of tone-deaf. While I don’t believe he’s actively shutting us out, he really needs to think about how some things look. He’s getting rid of DATT and having a gay Episcopal Bishop talk at the inaugration. How much more do you want in the first few weeks of office? ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/10 "2009-01-19T23:01:00Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > He’s getting rid of DATT and having a gay Episcopal Bishop talk at the inaugration. How much more do you want in the first few weeks of office? Rick Warren, for one. That was a decision that was absolutely tone-deaf. The man compares us to child molesters! He spent months lying about us to the voters of California and (voila!) Prop 8. Bishop V. Gene Robinson, the gay bishop of New Hampshire, did the opening prayer for the concert last night. The inaugural committee relegated it to the “pre-show”, which meant that HBO did not cover it in their free concert telecast. It’s not that he’s actually DONE anything TO us. It’s just that we’re starting to feel like an afterthought, if we’re thought of at all. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/11 "2009-01-19T23:25:58Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > Rick Warren, for one. That was a decision that was absolutely tone-deaf. The man compares us to child molesters! He spent months lying about us to the voters of California and (voila!) Prop 8. Rick Warren was not appointed to any position or job. He got a more or less meaningless opportunity to give an invocation. This has no effect whatsoever on the Administration. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2009, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/12 "2009-01-19T23:43:44Z")
The expectations are high because we have a lot to do. I think Obama’s greatest accomplishment so far is to plant the seeds of hope in the barren, utterly raped soil that was left to him. I still feel despair, but I also feel hope. I would not be feeling hope if Candidate B won the election. The seeds are sprouting… ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/13 "2009-01-20T00:41:47Z")
I honestly feel a little sorry for Obama. He’s got high expectations, historical weight, and a massive slew of problems to solve on bearing down on him. I expect him to work had, try many things, and perhaps solve a few problems, if only temporarily. Enough to make his supporters wonder 'What if he’d come along when things weren’t so bleak? How would he have handled 911?" As it is, I am much to pessimistic about his chances for real change. ---
**Author:** ![HoboStew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f17d59/32.png) [@HoboStew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoboStew)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/14 "2009-01-20T00:46:45Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Rick Warren was not appointed to any position or job. He got a more or less meaningless opportunity to give an invocation. This has no effect whatsoever on the Administration. Exactly. It was a totally empty gesture to appeal to the right. I thought it was a rather savvy political move. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/15 "2009-01-20T00:48:48Z")
Sure. Incredibly high expectations from both sides of the aisle coupled with a slew of real problems means he’ll have the longest honeymoon any president has had since FDR. Yeah the ‘first 100 days pressure’ is thanks to FDR’s success in hitting the ground running with the majority of his plan in place in that short amount of time, but he screwed up plenty over his 4 terms and was able to recover because the Great Depression/WWII were simply too horrible to fuck around with with partisan bickering. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_Stimulus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Digital\_Stimulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_Stimulus)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/16 "2009-01-20T00:56:33Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > I honestly cannot think of anyone who has entered the Presidency, or any similar position anywhere else, with THIS level of messianiac - sorry, but it’s an appropriate metaphor - hopes attached to him. On Time’s website, I found [this](http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1871912,00.html?imw=Y) opinion piece to be a fair assessment. Some people are clearly going overboard. (The article mentions, for instance, that Spike Lee has said that “_we were soon going to measure time by ‘BB, before Barack, and AB, after Barack.’_” Really? Didn’t that strike him as being a little _too_ overtly messianic?) Personally, as I’ve said all along, I expect to disagree with some things and to be disappointed by others. My only actual expectations are that the incoming administration acts ethically, thoughtfully, and openly. In short, serves as a prime example of _good governance_. What a change that is! ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/17 "2009-01-20T01:00:04Z")
I feel sorry for him. He is screwed. the financial power brokers will not allow him to fix the country if it costs them money or power. They will fight hard to keep the looting in place. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/18 "2009-01-20T01:00:05Z")
Who are these people, anyway. I’ve seen lots of gasbagging about “these people” with their impossibly high expectations. Seems like they’re pretty much thick upon the ground, crowds, throngs and hordes of dewey-eyed kumbayahoos. Don’t know any of those people, can’t say as I’m convinced there’s all that many of them. My people-cluster tends leftish, somewhat. They are pretty pleased, no question. But its like 30 percent no more Bush, 30 percent not McCain Palin, 30 percent Obama!, and some miscellany like he’s kinda black! We expect to be disappointed, we’re used to it, goes with the territory. Being progressive is about where we’re going, not so much where we are. Even when you are set back, forward is still forward. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/19 "2009-01-20T01:59:22Z")
> [@RaftPeople](#): > > I don’t think people are expecting all that you think they are. I think it’s more like someone who has been hitting their head against a bathtub and now with the end in sight are thinking “it sure will be great when I’m not hitting my head against this bathtub”. This person isn’t expecting to suddenly win the lottery just because their head is no longer hitting the bathtub, they just think it’s going to feel good not to be hitting their head. This. I have high hopes for a continuation in office of the competence, intelligence, forethought, shrewdness, determination, integrity, compassion, inspiration, and political skills he’s shown so far in getting to this day, tempered by the sober realization that, given the mountainous mess he’s faced with, he’ll need every scrap of the list and some damn good luck to accomplish much in his first term beyond stanching the bleeding and getting the healing solidly underway. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041/20 "2009-01-20T04:19:35Z")
If Obama keeps the debt below 40 Trillion, does not invade Canada, and pronounces most of his words correctly, I will consider his term in office to be a success. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041.md?page=2)