Weariness with politicians spinning the truth into their viewpoint, a lingering sense of malaise arising when polarizing political figures talk over each other on TV shows and a feeling of apathy or dread when considering who to vote for. These are all symptoms of PPS, Post Partisan Syndrome, a condition that is reaching epidemic levels judging by the 83% disapproval rating of Congress in recent polls.
Last night, the President made a break out move towards becoming a true leader. The State of the Union address called out the big issues of the day. The economic pressure and joblessness of the middle class and young people, the lopsided trade regime with China, the poor outcomes of our educational system, the escalating cost of college, the loss of competitiveness, building an energy infrastructure that is ours and clean.
He also called Congress on to the carpet for their partisanship, their obstructionism and favoritism. Did we really hear Obama even question the sacred cow of our political class, the role of money in the system and how it is undermining democracy and effective governance?
It wasn't all middle of the road. He wasn't didn't sound ready to cut spending or entitlements generally, but the President was aiming towards the middle and he was close. I think with three years experience behind him, he has learned the President can choose to lead the way he thinks it is done best and that is for benefit of the nation as a whole, not the moneyed groups that helped him get there.
In his usual affable way, Obama has thrown down his gauntlet at the actual problems we face, not just a party platform. Reagan had that ability to keep things pleasant and true. If Obama keeps going this way, he will become a real President and no longer be the tool of Pelosi and company. Having crossed the threshold, President Obama is no longer in denial. No he made out like he is confronting PPS head on. For the first time in quite a long while I had a glimmer of hope that America's leadership will set us in the right direction again. Hope so.
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