What Will Obama Do?

Many people on the right wing reacted with horror as Obama won the election, percieving him as a far-left black radical. Conservative websites and talk radio clamored at the realization of his victory, imagining far flung fantasies of neo-Marxist economic policies and minority entitlements. Hysterical propaganda claiming his connections to radical Islam and 60's terrorists filled up airwaves all the way up to the final vote count.

On the left, triumphant glee and blissful smiles illustrate the mood felt after Barack Obama's victory. The belief that Obama will end the wars in the Middle East and lift us out of the rut that George W. Bush and the Republicans have lead us into are the norm. A confident and prepared attitude exudes from his followers, as any casual observer can sense, that he will meet any challenge that approaches him in his presidential term.

The most likely scenario is one of Obama taking a position very similar to those held by Bill Clinton, whose presidency also evoked fears by some on the right wing. Their fears were unfounded as former President Clinton turned out to be a moderate liberal of whom cold-hard reality meshed quickly with his lofty ideals. A realistic appraisal of Obama's appointments to his cabinet and other positions of power reveal a politician with an understanding of his own ironically divisive public perception and a leader who understands that the predicament of the United States can't be solved easily.

Obama will be hesitant about ending the wars in the Middle East, and more conservative on social issues than one may expect considering his past. This will probably anger and possibly build resentment toward him from some sects of the far-left, but ease fears from the right wing of his percieved radicalism. Divisive issues like immigration and abortion will be ignored and put on the bottom of the stack, at least for his first term.A combination of a more dire financial recession and it's effects on the world are sure to be his priority.

America, at this time of economic uncertainty and in the midst of two unpopular wars is not ideal situation for a figure like Barack Obama to take the reigns of power. Tension and confusion are rational emotions to be felt in the coming years, but ultimately I believe his combination of conviction, charisma and a capable political establishment will prove to be the antidote to our troubles