Just a few days ago, the president did an interview with Diane Sawyer of ABC. She happens to be one of the very few media people who I will tolerate for any length of time. Anyway, the president said something very interesting. He said that he would rather be a very good one term president than a mediocre two term president. ( Paging Jimmy Carter, at least on the one term part.)
Let’s look at that statement for a moment. First though, a bit of history. Other than the pious Palestinian from Plains, the one term club includes George H W Bush, Herbert Hover and Martin van Buren. Other than Carter, all were denied a second term by economic issues. The panic of 1837 domed Van Buren as he evidently lacked a Rahm( never waste a good crisis) Emanuel to get him through the situation.
The point, which Sawyer did not seem to address, is that no president steps down voluntarily when doing a good job or even a mediocre one. We just do not see voluntary retirements from the Oval Office. Perhaps George Washington I guess, who could have served for life had he been willing. So, what did he mean by his comment? Maybe it was just for effect, along with a later statement that he will continue ” full bore” to tackle the tough issues.
Perhaps it is time for the president to heed the words of an Elvis Presley song-a little less talk , a little more action.
January 28, 2010
Posted by tarheeltalker |
History, Politics | ABC, Barack Obama, Diane Sawyer, economy, Elvis Presley, George H W Bush, George Washington, Herbert Hoover, Jimmy Carter, Martin van Buren, Music, Palestinian, Panic of 1837, Plains, Rahm Emanuel, Television |
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