First 100 Days: Done. Now What?

I tried to get a feel for what the major news outlets are saying about Obama’s first 100 Days. Ever since FDR, the first 100 days of a president’s term are considered to set the pace and tone of the rest of their tenure. Of course, during FDR’s first term, amidst the Great Depression and dust bowl-type public morale, his 100 days had to change gears. In the end FDR essentially changed cars, setting a whirlwind pace of transformative legislation never seen thereafter–until now.

All commentators and editorial boards agree: Obama has changed things. Not only did he embark (and survive) the busiest 100 days since the 4-term Roosevelt, but his 100 has changed the tone coming from the White House. George Bush used his first 100 days in both terms to demand respect and attention. Bush claimed an unquestionably victory in 2001, and undeniable “political capital” in 2005. He treated his first 100 as he did the rest of his time at the White House. with stubborn hubris.

But Obama is being a much better guest than Bush, even with the opposition, something Bush was never able to overcome. He has frequently invited Republican leaders to chat, dined with conservative columnists, and added Bushies to his cabinet. At the same time, Obama has no qualms letting everyone know who the most popular guy in the room is (“this guy”). People privy to private meetings between the prez and opposition leaders often account how Obama listens, nods, and respects, but almost always comes back with a reminder of who won the election. “I am the president,” is something Obama has often reminded Republicans, according to these sources. In all, Obama has played nice and shared his toys while letting everyone know he knows he is mommy’s favorite.

His legislative achievements up to this point are very good, if not great in any other set of circumstances. In 100 days, Obama has reversed many controversial policies enacted by his predecessor, such as Gitmo, torture, climate change, and foreign policy with Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela. Obama created and successfully pushed through a passive Congress the largest spending bill in the nation’s history. Obama has micromanaged monstrous issues simultaneously, such as the restructuring of the auto industry, Wall Street’s recovery and penance, and taming anti-Americanism abroad. He is sticking to his pledge to tackle the 500-lbs gorillas all at the same time. In his and his staff’s eyes, this is the worst of times and the best of times (in that order).

These achievements are in addition to the smaller emergencies he has a heavy hand in, like the capture of the Maersk Alabama captain by Somali pirates, and the Special Olympics joke when on The Tonight Show. Sure, that counts as an emergency.

Obama should feel very proud of his presidency so far. His ambition is only matched by his boundless curiosity and steady composure. He has had some trip-ups, but much like his campaign, he knows how to bounce back in better shape than before.

It’s somewhat unreal to remind myself that he has only been in office for a little over 3 months. He still has over 3 and a half years to go. Obama shows no sign of slowing down, either. He is already preparing for a healthcare battle that he is poised to win. His organizational skills are very impressive. So far, Obama’s forces look ten times more powerful and disciplined than Bill and Hillary Clinton’s did over 15 years ago. Obama is also moving his focus a bit to Pakistan and back again to Iraq. The stability of both of these countries is in doubt, and with the possession of nuclear weapons and increasing incidence of suicide bombings, respectively, these two will definitely become centerpieces to his Middle East policies.

President Obama has been often compared to President Kennedy, FDR, and Lincoln, but those comparisons don’t gel well enough with his style. Obama shares many qualities with these great men, but he performs in a way that is most similar to Ronald Reagan. Obama admires Reagan’s “transformative” persona, and he is to be channeling that right now. Using his charm and popularity, Obama is making unlikely coalitions, adding unthought of allies (hello, Arlen Specter), and following a strategy that may seem mild at the moment, but will bring astounding set of changes within his first term. Obama is poised to become something like Reagan, but Reagan never had to face the slew of challenges Obama has on his desk at the same time. This may make Obama greater than him if he keeps up this pace.