President Obama has faced many complex issues in his first 16 months in office, but ironically, it could be the twin crises now facing him that determine the long range view of his Presidency!
These crises are the British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the failed Times Square terrorist bombing attempt in New York City.
How these two crises work out will be seen as a crossroads in history, as the issue of the danger to our economy and environment represented by the catastrophic oil spill, and the growing threat of internal terrorism by people who reside in the United States hits upon the major insecurities and anxieties that most Americans have!
If we do not have economic stability, protection of the environment, and safety and security on an every day basis, what else really matters to most Americans?
This is not a partisan or political issue alone! It is the crux of what all Americans have on their minds on a daily basis, as what we used to be able to take for granted is no longer guaranteed!
Any President is faced with circumstances he has no control over, but the way he reacts to these situations could lower his public opinion ratings dramatically and sometimes permanently, and can mark his Presidency in history for all time as a success or a failure!