This blogger is strongly in support of Barack Obama on most issues, but he wishes to make clear that the strategy of attending campaign fundraisers, and going on vacation, in times of crises, is NOT the right strategy for the President to follow!
Seeing Obama making political speeches at fundraisers, and relaxing while drinking beer or going to a fast food establishment to have burgers and fries, or playing golf, or planning to go on vacation, leaves a terrible image that the President is disengaged from his responsibilities! It is true that Obama has taken fewer vacations than George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and almost every other recent President, but the perception of time off is not good at this time, and in the midst of the many crises the nation faces!
It is true that any President never truly escapes from his job, and that all that he needs can go with him to wherever he is located, but it, unfortunately, gives cannon fodder to his enemies, and makes him look lazy, disinterested, uncaring, and also confirms the criticism, even of his Democratic party supporters, that he is out of touch with reality, and does not like being engaged in problem solving.
Again, this is mostly perception, but that is damaging, short term and long term, to the image, legacy, and record of a President who has done a lot of good, has shown a lot of courage, and is being bitterly attacked more than any President of the past century, including Richard Nixon and George W. Bush!
Obama should not be giving fuel to the fire of his critics, and needs to cut back, dramatically, on campaign fund raisers, and should cancel a formal vacation, or send his daughters and wife on it, with him, maybe, showing up for a few days here and there, but sacrificing a lot of the formal vacation to stay in DC and connect with the multitude of issues that he faces!
Obama will have more than enough time in years to come to do whatever he wishes after January 20, 2017, but right now, he needs to be on top of his challenges as his priority!
I quite agree Professor.
Hello Professor,
May I suggest you click in this link for a good “reality check” laugh with regards to what “St. Ronny” did to handle his same scenario history. 🙂
http://penigma.blogspot.com/2014/07/best-thing-all-week-happy-friday-have.html?m=1
Engineer, I fully am aware of what Reagan did, but the reality is that the public relations battle, right or wrong, is being lost, so that is why I suggested that Obama avoid a long time away from DC, even though, of course, he is in full contact with events.
But perceptions do matter, and could affect the Democrats adversely in November!
I agree and follow with what you are saying. I just wanted to laugh a little…. That’s what keeps me from going insane with all the right wing bull crap. 🙂
HAHA You have made my day! LOL