The longer he is president, the less presidential he has become. Obama has reversed the usual process of growth and maturation, appearing today far more like a candidate for the presidency—and a very ordinary one at that—than he did during the latter stages of his campaign. . . . . .
Many past presidents endured harsh criticisms from the press and from popular movements of their day, but considered it unpresidential to respond in kind. Not Barack Obama, who has found his comfort zone in magnifying and then assaulting any kind of opposition. This excuse for Obama’s style also overlooks that he does not want for other means to get his message across. Obama has at his beck and call a staff of professional spokespersons, not to mention the editorial page of the New York Times.
It may be, however, that Obama has created a box for himself from which he cannot escape. He has so monopolized and personalized the public relations aspect of his office that now only his own voice can speak for the presidency. Profligacy in the use of public access—almost a speech a day—has made indirectness impossible. A president who has become his own chief point man puts at risk an asset that is helpful to his standing and vital for the nation’s political system: the dignity of the presidential office. . . . . READ MORE >>>
You might be interested in reading more from James Ceaser:
Barack Obama has managed a rare feat: The longer he holds office, the more he diminishes in stature.
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Will the president show as much respect for the Dalai Lama as he did for the emperor of Japan?
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The demise of idealism in Obama's Washington.
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Reports of conservatism's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
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How the Democrats earned the epithet previously reserved for Republicans.
Vol. 13, No. 06, October 22, 2007
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