WASHINGTON (CNN) - The overall public mood may still be sour at the moment, but a new national poll suggests that most Americans think Barack Obama will make major accomplishments as president of the United States.
Nearly two-thirds of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released Thursday said President-elect Obama will change the country for the better. Twenty-five percent said he won't change the country either way, and only 9 percent indicated they think Obama will change the country for the worse.
"The bar is being set awfully high for an Obama presidency," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.
According to the poll, most people think it's likely that Obama will improve race relations, improve economic conditions, bring stability to the financial markets, make the United States safer from terrorism, reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil, reduce global warming, win the war in Afghanistan, and remove U.S. troops from Iraq without causing a major upheaval in that country.
"That's a pretty big to-do list," said Holland.
In a question separate from whether Obama will change the country for the better, 76 percent of poll respondents said the country will be better off four years from now, while 19 percent say it will be worse.
Three-quarters of those polled also have a favorable view of Obama, up 12 points since the election. Among black Americans the number was 99 percent, while among Republicans it was 41 percent.
The overall 75 percent favorable rating "makes Obama the most popular president-elect in at least a quarter of a century," Holland said.
In November of 1980, after his landslide victory over incumbent President Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan's favorable rating was 67 percent. Eight years later, the elder George Bush had a favorable rating of only 50 percent immediately after his win in the 1988 election. When Bill Clinton beat Bush
four years later, his favorable rating was 60 percent just after the election.
And after the Florida recount ended in December of 2000, George W. Bush had a 59 percent favorable rating.
The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll was conducted November 6-9, with 1,246 adult Americans questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
He is going to do it easely !!! And if he does half of it is still great !!! God bless our next president and god bless America!!!
If anyone can do it, the Obama/Biden team can. YES WE CAN
HE WILL DELIVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHANGE HAS COME TO AMERICA!!
I disagree. I think the bar for an Obama presidency is low to non-existant. His supporters don't require anything of him. The media doesn't require anything of him.
Where's the bar here?
Tall order. Most would crack under that kind of pressure. Lets hope that Obama isn't like most.
Things can only get better after 8 years of the shrub.
And he will. But all you critics need to understand we didn't get in this mess over night, it took 8 years of that incompetent bush admin to get us here so give Obama a chance to turn this thing around.
Foremost congress must have Obama show his valid birth certificate, since he will not show to the courts regarding lawsuits in various states.
May god guide and protect you Mr. President-elect! Putting America back on a viable economic track will be a tall order and racial divide will be just as difficult. You are definitely the messenger of change as America's demography will continue to evolve and in 40 years Latinos and us mutts will predominate. Watch out for Bobby Jindal (Rep) of pure East Indian extraction after Obama's tenure. Next a Latina (yes a Latin American woman). GET USED TO IT!!!
The only people expecting HIGH expectations are the GOP. They will love to see President Obama fail. But the bad news for the GOP is that no matter what President Obama does, he will not go down in hstory as the wort president EVER. They can look at their own party and place the blame on themselves.
And Obama CAN do it, as long as the media gets off his back, and the people give him a chance and have some patience..e ven the world wasnt created in one day and Obama isnt even God...Give him time and a chance people..why is everyone expecting so much more from Obama than any other president ??????????
i wish him luck, but im a realist and the reality is, he more than likely can`t keep alot of his campain promises.after all he is not only a polititian but a lawyer as well. 2 jobs known to be crooks having them as well as well trained liars. just as any president before him. all polititians lie even if they dont mean to at the time. you can`t make everyone happy at the same time therefor you can`t always get what you want.
Dubya has set the bar SO low that expecting ANYTHING intelligent and positive out of the next POTUS is of course considered 'high expectations'!!!
When you've had an idiot for a leader for 8 years, it's not hard to have high expectations of a Harvard Law Graduate and a man who doesn't create new and stupid words as he talks.
Those who said no change or change for worst must be the Republicans.....
Why does Obama resign his Senate seats so early? He is still needed in Senate.. Transition can be done concurrently.
Thank God ....something in the Ticker finally....that isn't about Palin. You guys at CNN have really been flogging a dead horrse ad nauseum !!!!!
The man is only human. Let's not forget that. Good things may come but change will be slow: it took 8 years for the mess we are all in to be created: it'll take some time to fix.
Let's not measure Obama's success by the rappidity of change but by the lasting beneficial quality of the changes he causes.
hope everything goes well he'll make it
I HAVE FAITH IN PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA, HE'S GOT THE BEST OF THE BEST WORKING FOR HIM. HE'S GOING TO CLEAN HOUSE, THAT'S FOR SURE!!
You know what all the things listed above can be done by any competent President. Its not that the bar is set high is that over the past 40 years we have had only one competent President – Clinton; all the others were average or below average. THAT'S A FACT
yes. Everybody expects something. He will have very hard time to make happy everyone, and he will not. No one can. He will have to make compromises. I hope he will be able to satisfy most of people. I do not envy him his task.
He will need a lot of smart, skilled people to help him. He cannot do it all alone.
Some people expect miracles to happen, well, these happen only in fairy tales, movies, books. In real life we do sacrifice, compromise, we do have to work hard, and think well to get what we want.
That's a pretty big to-do list," said Holland.
Well, it's what he promised to do, and why he was elected. Time to see if he's just talk, or can walk the walk.
It's nice to be able to now say we have a president that we can *trust* and support, instead of just supporting our president because we love our country. I have faith in Obama that he will make the right decisions and he will bring great and exciting things to our country! I cannot wait to see him sworn in on January 20th.
Here it goes, the man hasn't even taken office yet and the Liberal Media is already making excuses for him!
From what I recall, these are all issues he chose to take on!
Apparently all 9% of those who think Obama will change things for the worse post here... about socialism and Marxism... repeatedly.... over, and over, and over, and.....
As long as expectations are realistic, I believe President-Elect Obama can meet them. Folks just have to understand that one man alone can't save us. And, that we all have to do our part to build this country back up.
The whole world has a lot of expectations too. It is kind of daunting but at the same time it has the USA as the leader of the world on Nov 4th. I think that Obama will be to politics what Tiger is to Golf.
It is happy days again in America and the World loves it too.
All I am caring about right now is Health Care. I Freelance and I have to pay my own Health Insurance and the new plans that just came out our unaffordable. I can make it affordable, but I have to sacrifice and take a less expensive plan that doesn't really cover hospital expenses until I pay $14,000. I don't have any health issues, but . . .
I do trust that he is going to make things work because he is the best chance this country has had in a long time.
At this point he could sit back and do little to nothing and come out better than Bush...LOL
I didn't appreciate the Comments to my Comment.. Still I said, And I mean it... You are Heading for a Revolution... Black's Killing Hispanics? (Your choice of Words, not mine)... Wait! Just wait and see! You will wonder how you alloiwed this happen... Revolt! In all quarters..... Just Wait and see... You heard it here first!! Or did you???
Obama can only do so MUCH cleaning up after a HUGE black hole Bush left behind. Poor Barack!
Well, yeah!! He set some pretty high expectations during his campaign, so of course.
It's a long road ahead. But his hands are certainly more capable than the alternative!
I'm sure in 4 years he will have accomplished a great deal, if bitter repugs can stay out of the way & not chase after his coat tails with a hammer & nail.
I am impressed with Americans being open to change. Some will take longer than others to get used to the new president. No president's job has ever been easy! Let's all give him a chance and be realistic. I am positive he'll break through the high standard and be one of the greatest presidents to serve 2 terms that we've ever had!
We're behind you Obama. With all that this man is facing I feel I can jog a little longer, pay my bills on time, and get my butt to work at 8 in the morning when I am suppose to.
Yes We Can
President elect Obama has a huge challenge ahead of him. But Obama is the right person to get this country through this challenge. There will always be folks that will see him as this "liberal", but a title does not define a person. We did not get in these problems over night? So please, let's stop being naive??? I am sure President-elect realizes that folks are looking at his every move, just like folks did not during the Bush era. I think we all need to continue to step back and let the President elect have the space he needs to make these changes and organization, the same respect and space we would have given McCain.
My prayers will always be with you and your beloved family.
Yes, it took EIGHT years of a Republican presidency and SEVEN years of the Congress controlled by the Republicans to have this DISASTER hit us!
I too, have faith in President-elect Obama, and his team, and Congress to START digging us out of the disaster we are in.
I hope that EVERYONE realizes that it will take time, work, sacrifices but America will be stronger!
And the best part, is that even the nay sayers will be eating crow! God willing!
God bless you, Barack Obama!
Obama is only human BUT he will have a great team working with him so HE WILL get many good things done.
Having a president that has taught U.S. Constitutional Law is going to be one of the greatest things that has ever happened to America.
God bless the Obama and Biden families.
He's up for the job - I just hope people don't expect overnight miracles and will give him enough time before they begin bashing him. We didn't get into this mess in a short while, and nobody would be able to get us out of it quickly.
But then - I heard Limbaugh ranting about 'Obama's recession has already begun." Please - the man hasn't even taken office yet!
If he did nothing it would be better than what the Bush administration has done to the country in the last 8 years. Bush , Cheney and all the rest of the "axis of evil" in his administration should be at the very least charged with lying to the American public.
Put me in the 9% category I guess. I think the country will get worse under Obama's rule.
Lets talk more about the new dog! (The Mutt)
The reality is he will not do hardly anything he campaigned on. Why did he sanitize his websites of all his plans? With all the Clinton people coming back we should have just elected Hillary.
WOW! What is up with the application? Are some of those questions even legal? Like private contact info of past romantic acquantenances? Private information on family members? I realize they want to protect themselves, but from the cnn report it sounds like some of these questions are a bit much. For now I'll chalk up to the reporting, but I'll be interested to see if this story goes anyway. If my 15 year son had a misdeamor, isn't that sealed?
I don't have a 15 year old son, but I'm just wondering aloud.
MD, TX: The bar is so low because of that idiot from Texas. The bar is not low for this elect. We expect a lot from him. But we understand that success may be far and in between...trying to clear up the mess where are in now. So to you...give it a rest and try to support this man's achievement. I think his achievement may help you. Do you plan to cut off your nose despite your face?
Please note: "Nearly two-thirds of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey," in other words – fake! Blah blah blah. Get a live already.
I am starting to wonder....he removed all his plans from the campaign off the website and consolidated it into a vague one page statement. The reality is that he probably wont get most if not all of what he campaigned on done. Also, with all the Clinton people coming back, maybe we should have just elected Hillary.
First, everyone in our country, including the news media, needs to support him and stay united with positive attitudes starting right now! We all know his aspirations! There has been enough negativity going out to everyone with the bind this country is in and for that matter globally. Soooooooo let's try to stay kool because this is gonna be a heckufa ride!!!!!
What a mess!! We are all to blame for this mess. We were so smart we voted for him TWICE.
when will the media stop covering this moron sara palin> please , please stop.
Hi Wolf!!!
I think Obama wil be an extraordinary president if the right wingers would shut their mouth. Speaking of, how could you have that nut-job Palin on so much she opens her mouth and stupid pours out every time, Jeeeeeus, the sound of her voice is so depressing. Please somebody shut that woman up!!!!!
This media process just never fails to amaze me. Anything for a attention graping headline. It is kind of like Dah, which way did he go George? And just why would there not be high expectations?
He will succeed with a lot of his promises if Americans support him completely – this means everyone. Already the right-wing republicans have started attacking him and setting him up for failure and he hasn't even taken office yet. There may come a time when this rhetoric would be appropriate but certainly not now. What is wrong with a system that cares more for their party and philosophies than they do the country as a whole?
Keep the faith.
Making excuses for Obama by blaming Bush is silly...either Obama is up to the task or he is not. I love all the yes he can, yes he did talk, now get on board...I am sure that Bush would have loved for YOU to get on board...oh but wait..haha, gotta love partisan politics.
I need to start praying about it and make sure that our governmeng God-speed, push policies through to stop the CLOGGING of our COMA-economy.
My guess is that he will do better than expected. after the debacle that the Shrub administration has been, even the devil can do better!
It's ok Barack, because we all know you're incapable of making a mistake so why don't you start off by practicing your favorite excuse..."It's all George Bush's fault."
What will the Senate ever do now that you've resigned?
How will they be able to replace the 137 days of experience that you so freely gave to your country before you started your run for president?
Oh yeah...Jesse Jackson Jr.
Watch out...what's down in the well comes up in the bucket.
What?!!!? Is there someone on earth in their right mind who actually expects him to DO the things he promised? He told you the minute he was elected that it would take more than one year, indeed, more than one term. Why does it matter? He just has to appear and everyone gets a tingly feeling up their leg! What more do you want?!!!?
I have a renewed spirit in government because of President Elect Obama. I voted for intelligence over insanity in leadership and I stand committed to my vote.
I am all for critical thought, not bitterness and undermining. I am all for worthy opponents and challenging the status quo. The status quo is what put us to sleep and landed the ponzi/slight of hand tricks to set these house of cards tricks afire.
So many areas demand so much overhaul that any thinking person knows four years will barely scratch the surface. But I'm willing to continue voicing my support for this new paradigm of thought.
Count me as: onboard.
bias & ungrounded expectations shouldn't apply.
progressive change in old Washington politic is a must, this defines a hopeful turning point for our country. it's the the root of many economic and social failures, and it won't happen overnight and as citizens, we should do our part as well, change ourselves for better. it won't be easy and quick, and any fast-food change is not a true change. people need to contribute to their community and worthy causes and not hate/violence to reap fruition. let the treadmill work off the excessive expectations from the public.
like karma, our leader and his people destine the cycle. unite, let the American spirit live on!
He may not get it all done in the first 4 years, but what he doesn't get done, will be in the works for the 2nd four years. He can do it if no catastophy happens.
To JDD-ATL
Get a brain and think for yourself! Good heavens you sound like all the idiots and bimbos at Faux Pas.
Who is this Lady? (Clare)??? Clare Voyent??? She must be!!!
Boirack Obama will never get Elected again even if he has One Billion in 2012...
Is it true Palin way to Chicago to campaign for President-Elect Obama's Senate Seat?
He is extremely knowledgeable, poised, articulate, and he cares about the people, as opposed to the Village Idiot that will be returned to Texas very shortly.
The way Obama put together his campaign, now surrounding himself with the best minds and people, Democrat And Republican, shows that he will make the best decisions based in the best information available.
We need to have patience for these problems to be taken care of because these messes didn't happen overnight. Just have the faith that we can make it happen. Remember that Bush has done so much damage for Obama AND US to clean up now...Just give him the time to do it.
YES WE CAN
I'm one of the two thirds that believe he will accomplish a lot. It'll take time and they'll be obstructions along the way, but I see in him not just a great orator, but also a fighter. I believe he'll fight tooth and nail to get things done, with promptness. Now he only needs the right people to help him. He can run this country just like he ran his campaign if he gets the Republican's help as well.
After the greatest election of our times, it is amazing how many people still insulting President Elect Obama. This was America's choice. From now on Obama is America and America is Obama. People need to stop making anti-American Comments and get behind our new leader.
marie banderas, posted at 4:30 pm
Obama isn't God???????? Who have you been talking to??????
This is blasphemy.... heresy.......
He will do fine, especially since he has 1 million plus supporters to help him get things done.
If Obama runs the government the way he ran his campaign, we'll be fine. Steady and prudent.
What most folks are worried about are the items he DIDN'T talk about in his campaign speeches, but probably WILL do the opposite of what most folks hope: (1) immigration, (2) abortion, (3) government / schools interfering with parental rights, and (4) the homosexual agenda (gay marriage and more).
He will be the best President we have ever had. He will exceed any expectations that we have. I have a Dream and guess what it came true. God Bless President Obama and his beautiful wife Michelle and his great little kids.
The bar is set pretty high, and for Barack to get things done he must remove the lobbists from our political system. They are a pollution at the state level as well, as all our representatives time is consumed by lobbists at all levels of Governmant. They pushed for free trade for many years. For many years the auto industry has spent the money building factories in China, no EPA, and Communits labor costs. If America bailsout the industry with credit, to the companies and to the American consumers, those factories in China will crank up. Import taxes on goods from China should fund the bailouts. truly so, timothy
Obama will not let polls and bars dictate for him. This man does things measured and with well thought out actions. The same frenzy was there about him having to choose Hillary (which he thankfully did not) shortldy after his nomination and he took his time and brilliantly chose his VP. Whetherr you fall in the " doom prophe"t or a "high expectation" camp, you will find positive outcomes when Obama chooses so. People just need give our new president the room to execute.
I feel confident that Obama will fulfill those expectations if the country will band behind him. Enough of the naysayer republicans that are still licking their wounds...they should be helping all they can – after all, it was them that got us into this mess.
I am wondering where all the money will come from. My 401K has dropped dramatically so that I no longer have to pay taxes but will receive a check with the new tax cuts. What will happen as our incomes dip and we cannot be hit up to pay for all the programs????
Bottom line what ever he does will be better than we have been living with...
Yep... the longer they (the governors) follow Palin the farther behind they'll fall. See ya!
But this is what he promised!
The republicans brought about all the to-do-list in eight years and I trust and have confidence and faith in Obama to make huge strides in correcting the damage done by Bush in eight years or less. Remember, that when Bush took office there was a surplus, a balance budget, no war, economy was good, etc. So there is a stark contrast here. Obama is a doer and a leader. Biden will not be a puppet master, that's for sure.
Wow ; he really is the messiah ! Must be so; the fawning media is hyping it ( and I thought they were atheists)! Foolish me for doubting the media .
This is a Black man who ran for President and won....I'm thinking high expectations are what he thrives on. The compliment is that we have high expectations and HE is the one we voted in to meet them. Shows a great deal of confidence in him.
Of course this isn't snide or mean, so I expect it to be moderated out.
I'm sure he will have a good excuse when he doesn't.
He's great at those.
My expectations are pretty low... I've read his tax plan.
If the public have asked from Obama as he asks in today's news: "Want to work for Obama? Get ready to spill all ", then he will not have a chance to get elected.
Of course. That's the reason we elected him. And I believe he will meet the challenges he is facing. As long as he is open-minded and always tries to consider different opinions before solving the problem, he will get us out this mess.
who is this idiot about the birth certificate. He's the president now why are you still on this. bush started a war and has killed and continues to kills thousands of people. Do you think a birth certificate is going to cause some kind of huge scandal in the white house you clown show.
All of you repubs who are using the SAME SCARE TACTICS that McCain, Palin, and the GOP overall has ALWAYS done is getting SO old. I would think that after the election, that we would all come together and embrace the change that's going to take place... whether we agree on the same ideas or not, like Barack said, we all want the same things- a better America for the future....so why still this HATE? This is what brought the GOP down...amongst other things. America is sick of the same 'ole fear tactics....the election reflected that. GET OVER IT and let's UNITE!
Nobody set the bar high except Obama himself. He promised the world to all his idiot followers and they fell for it hook, line and sinker. Boy will they be disappointed. By reading all these democRATS postings I see that the spin to let him off the hook has already be gone.
Given how low the bar for President Bush was set, expectations for anyone coming in would be high. Instead of expectations we should all have a high degree of patience. We didn't get into this mess in a month and it surely won't take a month to get out of it.
Obama is the savior. He can do anything. He can raise taxes during a recession while strenghtening the unions and shutting down small business growth. He can make Islamofascists stopping being terrorists by just talking to them. He can support the constitution yet ellimate the right to bear arms and create social programs like they have in Europe. He can do it all!!!
And of course after 8 years of the left and media attacking Bush and his policies like a rabid dog....now its time for everyone to just be one happy family and get along and support the president unconditionally. Fat chance.
Scott NYC Independent: Help me with your fact. What is the measurement of a competent president? I'm no scholar, but I'm confident that reasonable people can disagree on the margins of what is competent.
For example, I do not believe that you are a competent debator because you declare your opinions to be facts. Others may disagree.
He is just as human as you and i. But am confident he will deliver and even more than he promised. Time is all we need to give him. Uncle George has messed up the whole world that we are all afraid to look out or hope.
Neuroperson- Wow, Obama the Savior- kinda exteme there. Also, why the attacks since the man hasn't even been in office yet? Also, check your knowledge on Socialism..obviously, you think that's where this country is headed, but you're so far from the truth....
Personally, I have a problem with Obama dictating that teen girls can get abortions without parental notification (or tax dollars paying for abortions in Mexico) Add to that his ridiculous gun bans, (the Clinton gun bans did zero to reduce crime. The only answer is to build the prisons needed to keep criminals off the streets permanently) the desire to "reform" career criminals so when they leave prison they can get a job (career criminals never change their ways), and of course, his idea of "spreading the wealth." No thanks.
Neuroperson:
What exactly is your source saying he will take away the right to bear arms? He wants more gun "control" which as long as you aren't a criminal, shouldn't really be a problem for people wanting guns for good reasons.
To all of you ignorant people who don't like it so what. We had to deal with your idiotic choice of Bush for eight years and you though we were going to sit by quietly and let you put to more uneducated Liars in the White House....wrong!!! Get over it snf shut up!! We love Mr. Obama and we support him 200%. All you guys want to do is spread fear and hate. Well it didn't work this time. Guess what...it won't work next time either...I wish Mr. Obama could have 5 terms as President!!!!
"I feel confident that Obama will fulfill those expectations if the country will band behind him. Enough of the naysayer republicans that are still licking their wounds…they should be helping all they can – after all, it was them that got us into this mess."
I think we all learned after the Pelosi speech about the original bail out bill that pointing fingers at people never works, and if you do some research you might find a better analysis to what got us into this mess.
Yeah, there are alot of expectations. He made alot of promises to get elected. Can't wait until those who voted for him figure out it was said just to get elected, I just hope he doesn't destroy this country in the process. He is in way over his head.
Obama and The Family
Will Keep making excuses as to why he can not do anything he promised.
They will start with the economy
Then move on to a new excuse as time progresses.
They will work the minds of Americans and talk them into all kind of Stupid things.
The Power of Suggestion, persuasion and mind manipulation He has that down pat. So he is banking on The American People being stupid enough to believe all he says.
I am a Republican who did not vote for Obama.
He soon will be sworn in as the President of the United States, therefore
he will be my President.
I will give him support, I will pray for wisdom and a clear mind for Mr. Obama.
Of course I have plenty of concerns on his pending policies and decisions. But as on now he has done no wrong.
We need to support our president and if he is successful we should all prosper.
Now stop the hate, stop the name calling and lets pull together.
BJ from Texas- He did NOT promise the world. Did you not follow his campaign? Read his books? Listen to his speeches? I find it funny that people like you somehow think that he's going to be our SAVIOR when he's merely stating the goals he has and that WE have as Americans. A MAJORITY of America embraces him so much because he shares the thirst of CHANGE that we've been needing as a country. But of course...that's a bad thing.
Hey MD, Jdd, Griff, and Worried,
How does it feel to be a part of the 9%?
Obama is not perfect. He will hit on many, if not all, of the areas he campaigned on. But, he will need help. A Congress that will work with him and not just worry about getting re-elected. And he will need a nation of voters who will confront their members of Congress if they do not provide help to get out of this mess.
Barry and 'Chelle really should meet with Clintons. Bill can tell Barry the best places to fool around with interns, and Hillary can show Michelle where to hide law records.
I am ready to take a chance. All I know is when ever a Bush is in office my family loses a job. When Bush Sr was in office i lost my job the first time. During Clinton it was great large pay raises etc. Well along come Bush Jr I lost my job again, and just today my husband lost his job. So right now we are a household without a paycheck. I just pray that Jeb never runs my pocketbook just can't take it. I think we need to at least give Obama a chance. I guess the republicans don't realize that if he fails we all fail, including them. Let us not forget that we are one.
It is definitely true that President elect Obama will accomplish all these goals.
I know that in six months time US economy will be changing for the better, the economy will do so well.
All his agenda will be successful during his ruling, the world will love US, nations all over the world will extend their hands in helping US out, Israel and Palestine will move towards peace process in President elect Obama's time, he will improve race relations, he will bring stability to the financial markets, he will make the United States safer from terrorism, reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil, reduce global warming, win the war in Afghanistan, and remove U.S. troops from Iraq without causing a major upheaval in that country.
In addition, countries like North Korea, Iran, Russia will listen to US and move towards peace process, Norh Korea and Iran will abandon their nuclear weapon' program. They will never resume these programs again. Americans will be safe again. Terrorist’s acts will be reducing all over the world during President elect Obama and in the future of the next US presidents.
President elect Obama will be in power for the next eight years, and Americans will experience the best years of presidency in the history of US.
Bar set high? After eight years of George Bush? Please. While I believe that President Elect Obama will deliver, I also believe that the American electorate, by virtue of electing George Bush to two terms, has set the bar absurdly low for the person that follows in his footsteps.
and where's my tax cut?
And what is it with the right wing haters still foaming at the mouth?
Obama has accomplished more in a week than Bush has done in the last six months. He is still the President but notice how he is already missing in action.
Why should he care? He knows he can't do anything to fix the mess. Let the next guy do it.
You need an intelligent person to be the president of USA. This will be a big change. We are relieved, the world is relieved. Congratulations, Obama!
I am behind you 100% President Obama. Here are my expectations
* point the ship back in the right direction
* Be the intelligent leader you have shown you are to reestablish the US on the world stage
* listen to the right only to understand there concerns then use your own judgment to decide weather there concerns will keep the country moving in a positive direction
Being first is never easy you will have to achieve twice as much to be considered equal to those that came before you.
Thank you for having the guts to lead the way.
I voted for Barack Obama and will support his presidency as the lesser evil running for office this year.
As long as he stops getting kids killed in Iraq for no reason and repeals the Bush Doctrine and the Enabling Ac- oh, sorry, I mean The Patriot Act, I will be behind him.
Politicians are all liars out for their own good in one way or another – but gradual change can be made by electing the people into office who think the correct things and are less and less in it for themselves.
I want to see Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, and Guiliani brought up on war crimes.
IF HES NOT NEARLY AS BAD AS BUSH, THATS A PLUS.
I did not vote for President-Elect Obama, but it's time to put away the campaign and get on with actual governing in Washington. I can't say that I'll vote for him in 2012, either, but as an American, I hope we are all so successful in the next four years that I have to give an Obama vote some serious thought.
It's clear that PEBO recognizes that this is more than just another administration, so add me to the two-thirds that thinks he will govern from the middle and allow the citizens of this country to make this a better place in four years. This is a government of, for, and by the people. He can't do it by himself.
I ask my few remaining fellow conservatives to take the high road for the next four years as the loyal opposition. We don't have much to model ourselves after in the last six years, but we can avoid demonizing Obama for his policy decisions and work to find the right answers without making it personal. Maybe we can even oppose the administration's policies without using words like "idiot", "moron", and the like.
Leave the demonizing to the media. They will get bored with Governor Palin momentarily, and just like they did with the Clintons, they will be full-on into looking for dirt in the Obama Administration. Journalists have to eat, too, right?
Al- Care to explain the meaning behind Obama's statement of, "spreading the wealth"? It's ridiculous that Obama-haters take this 3 worded phrase and put whatever meaning they want behind it. It was CLEARLY taken out of context. Like Colin Powell said, with ALL taxes, the idea IS spreading the wealth... Now, unless we see government programs being shoved down our throats w/no alternatives, then that's where "Socialism" should be appropriate.
Of course there are high expectations. Our society is crumbling and he is our last and greatest hope. I hope he can deliver.
What is the deal with everyone freaking out about the in-depth questionnaire for a job in the Obama-Biden Administration? So what, they can ask any and all questions of potential applicants. Working inside an adminstration is a privilege, not a right. Financial, sexual, political issues are all relevant to deciding who will best serve in the administration. The administration cannot hire employees who can easily be blackmailed or bribed by opponents, foreign interests or the media.
As for an earlier comment about how most Americans don't want change regarding abortion – see every state that has defeated anti-choice measures. More than 50% of this country believes that a woman's right to choose should not be removed by the federal or state government. Men, in particular, need to stay out of these discussions as they will NEVER have to make the choice or live with the emotional consequences. When the pro-lifers come up with a way to keep the baby alive outside of the mother's body and make the father of the baby solely responsible for it's protection, then maybe I'll change my mind.
he cant do any worse than bush.
bush put us in a depression.....how much worse can we expect obama to do?
You've got to give President-elect Obama time–after all, it's been "Mission Accomplished" for over FIVE YEARS now on Bush's watch, hasn't it?!
For those of you who kepp repeating the lines of "He will get us out of this mess" and the like, clearly none of you have ever really listened to him. He has never said the HE will get US out of the mess!! The only thing he's been touting, is that WE should get US out of this mess! There are far too many of YOU that read way too much into his words without listening to the things HE really did or did NOT say.
It's just too sad, that now all the excuses are starting as to why expectations are already too high.
So those of you sitting around just waiting to be rescued, are going to be waiting a very, very long time and the disppointment will be a sour pill to swallow.
Nothing worth having is ever easy, and to think Obama will make it easy for you is quite disillusioned.
And no, I didn't vote for Bush either.
I READ IN A NEWSPAPER THAT OBAMA IS RELATED TO PRESIDENT BUSH AND CHENEY, VERY DISTANT BUT RELATED NONETHELESS....THEY DO LOOK COMFORTABLE WITH EACH OTHER, 'BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER', RIGHT???
It's not just PE Obama that's facing high expectations... it's the entire country. We ALL have to step up and meet the expectations as the UNITED States we are. We can't just lay this mess on his shoulders.
I'm confident he'll do a great job guiding us. Let him guide...
Let's all get with the program...
high expectations? after bush if he does a complete sentence it is good enough for me jajaaaa
Well Obama only has himself to blame for setting the bar of expected accomplishments sky-high with his talk of CHANGE and no explaination whatsoever of just what that change is to the people other than being able to pick him out of a photo line-up of all 44 US Presidents.
I think its important to not get too comfortable with any politician. As a DIEHARD Obama supporter since the beginning of this long campaign, I still feel the need to be critical of the establishment. It is our democratic right to hold our politicians accountable, let's not forget that!!!!
Make sure to do that, even if you are a fellow Democrat. We can't get too comfortable and our country can ALWAYS improve! I think that President-elect Obama (wow that still sounds like music in my ears) would want it this way, also.
Here's to an 8 year nightmare finally ending on January 20
Oh puh-leeze! After the past 8 years, it would be hard for Obama to do any worse than Bush & Company did. A frigging head of lettuce would have been better off sitting in the Oval Office than Bush and Cheney. At least Obama has a brain. I look forward to seeing him use it to try and solve this nation's current woes.
He will be able to get this country back on the right track. We are part of the solution and need to do our part as well. Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their country.
If I hear "yes we can" or "he will deliver" or "change has come to America one more time I think I will throw up. We are all waiting for Mr. Change to get into office and come across with his big deal promises. He is not going to do it easily and if he just does half – well that is not good enough – not after months of hype.
Patience my foot – he said he would be ready on day 1. He said he is the "one", so we will be waiting and looking and seeing. Yes, we DO expect him to deliver -not later – sooner.
And McCain would have faced any less? Or is the baromter set a little higher because Obama is a minority?!
It has to be high because Bush had it set so low it's underground!
Obama is going to have a heck of a time trying to undo everything that Bush screwed up which is EVERYTHING!
I remain somewhat skeptical.
Obama was the only real choice. We had a woman who really wanted to be president, but was out of touch with real Americans. We had a man who also wanted to be president but couldn't remember how many homes he owned and was out of touch with Americans. Then you had someone who recently paid off his college tuition. That's a man who knows what it means to pay bills. I think we'll be happy with Obama. Well, 75% of the country thinks so anyway.
President Obama.
I like the sound of that!!!
AWFULLY high expectations, too bad nobama's goin to disappoint the 65 million that voted for him, because the washington machine cannot be "changed"
I read these pleas for the loyal opposition to come together and unite behind the President Elect. Yeah, right. Just like the Democrats did behing President Bush. They spent 8 years griping and complaining, moaning and groaning, calling the President of the United States of America every vile name that could be printed in the Liberal Biased Media. So much for bi-partisan unity.
G.R.I.T. – Girl Raised in the South,
They still need to abide by the laws regarding employment. They ARE NOT allowed to ask anything and everything. They are not allowed to ask ANY questions regarding race, religion, sex, sexual preference etc.
Plus why should it matter if the applicant or their family has any guns? It's a Constitutionally protected Right and is totally inappropriate to ask. Why is that even on the questionaire? I sense a not-so-hidden agenda behind that question.
To answer teh question at hand: Obama will never be able to live up to the expectations of his sheeple – er, I mean cult, er followers. THey have what is known to psycologists as 'magical thinking'. Obama will not fix anything. If picking Emanuel as CoS is his view of bi-partisan we need to be very afraid.
Sure the expectation is great because we dug ourselves into an abyss by selecting Goerge Bush for 8 years, so we want someone to fix everything in a few months!
Obama is brilliant but not a miracle worker. Besides if people don't suffer, how will they learn (some still want Palin) not to pick another Bush in the future.
I say suffer till you learn your lesson and don't put the blame on Obama if things don't change fast enough, Rome was not built in one day!.
GOBAMA, God is with u!
On the job training... There is nothing inside. Hollow vessel...
Of course we all have high expectations, but give it time! First he has to clean house and I don't mean just swish the feather duster around and rearrange the furniture like McCain would have done had he been elected. Obama's going to have to fumigate and exterminate some of the old fixtures that are glued in Washington and that's going to take time. Then I'd say within a few months we'll see a lot of changes! I hope you’re not expecting changes within 30 days.
Now with the Republicans no matter what President-elect Barack Obama does in changing Washington they’ll never be happy!
So far from what I’ve seen Barack doing he’s moving faster than what I expected!
OH HE WILL DEFFENTLY BRING CHANGE THAT YOU MORONS WILL WISH YOU NEVER SEEN.OUR COUNTRY IS HEADED FOR A BIG DISASTER AND IT WONT ALL BE BLAMED ON THE REP'S THIS TIME. DEMS WERE PART OF THE 8YRS. ,BUT DONT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS. THEIR LEADER TO BE WAS THE SAME WAY THROUGH THIS RACE AND WILL BE IN OFFICE.
Win the war in Afghanistan? That's a hot one! More likely he'll start a revolution or another war in Pakistan. Obama will bring more intelligence and better judgement to the job, but he's still a part of this empire mentality, that's deflecting our domestic problems on to foreign 'enemies'. We ARE our own worse enemies and until we learn to solve our foreign 'problems' by peaceful means, the more grief we'll bring to the world and ourselves.
I believe Obama will be the best President since FDR. He seems to be a calm and thoughtful man and he certainly has the intelligence to do the job (something sorely missing in the last 8 years).
He's also a hard worker (his predecessor took more vacation days than any other president in historyl)
If the Republicans would just work with Obama and the Democrats instead of spewing hate and looking for scandals, I think we might find our way out of this mess. Partisanship has never helped anyone and generally slowed down any progress that can be made.
Mr President, thank you for becoming the peoples' spear, to attack the many problems we are faced today. I am from Costa Rica, and eventhough I don't vote or live in your country, your decisions from now on, will affect everyone, and the world itself. The people has given you the power to do great and historic things, do not take that power lightly, use it wisely, I am sure you will. Please don't dissapoint us, the whole world is watching, we have put our faith in your hands. Like you, I was to young to acknowledge the greatness of Kennedy and King at the time, which was tragically shorten. I am now old enough to be aware, of a great leader that emerged between us, who has the potential of bigger accomplishments than those two great leaders combined ever dreamed of, do your best...for humanity! The future of mankind is in your hands!
Of course he has to do good. Blacks have to work DOUBLE hard to be considered SINGLE good.
**Rush Limbooger is already blaming the economy on President Obama who does not even reside at 1600 Pennsylvania yet.
Obama will show them how to get things done!!!
Obama 012!
This is the silliest story I have read in a long time.
We need realistic expectations and the Obama worship to end.
I'm pretty sure that having been the first black student to head up the Harvard Law Review, Pres-elect Obama is no stranger to high standards. He, and we, will do fine.
I love all the negative Republicans bashing Obama and those of us wise enough to dump the Republicans this time.
Do you want to hear about the socialist state of Alaska? Of course not.
Do you want to actually think about the state of Palin's dysfunctional family? Nope-they are cute.
Do you care that the woman thinks God is choosing her to lead this country into her vision of America-white, no abortions ever, tax big oil and spread the wealth around, intolerance, a husband who was given access to sensitive personnel records in his wife's office (would he have access to state secrets? You betcha.) Nope, because she's hot, and evidently if you look at her junior high beauty pageant antics and don't listen to her, you could actually believe she's articulate, and that the media (and Democrats) are just big bullies.
Do you care that her big ideas for the campaign included race baiting that has led to multiple threats on Obama's life? No, because, gosh darn it, he's black and a communist, so he deserves it.
I think he's going to be great, and with America behind him, he will accomplish a lot.
Let's face it. Obama could simultaneously create world peace, wipe out world hunger, get every American a high paying job, cure cancer....oh and in his spare time he could invent a laboratory created brain for Bay Buchanan to use since hers is so frequently on the blink...........and the republicans would still be whining and complaining about him!!!
Get over it right wing....he's going to be sensational!
I love all the republicans here snickering that Obama promised the American people the world..........................
And I suppose John McCain wasn't making any such promises during his campaign..................
Use your brains people!
Because of the horrible mess he's inheriting, I think anything he can accomplish will be an improvement. The country is in terrible shape. Expecting one administration to be able to fix eight years of lies, deficit spending, and fiscal mismanagement is indeed unrealistic. I support Obama no matter, though. I am so sick of the current corruption. Thank God for ANY change.
The negatives cannot wait to jump into conclution. The fear mongers still did not learn anything from this landslide victory. Obama will make a change the whole world will emulate.
The Republicans will keep loosing if they do not work positively with Obama because the whole world is watching. If Obama does not make good changes Republicans will be blamed so the smart thing will be to coperate and be part of the good change Obama is bringing.
hometowndemocrat, To hear your dems talk, I thought he already did do that and walked on water.
I do not have high expectations for Mr. Obama. Simply because he can't do EVERYTHING, he isn't a god. The main thing is here, is that he trys to live up to his word in being a good president. Like he said the economy is not going to be up to par in one year, possibly not when he is still in office even. This is going to take some time and very hard work to clean up Bush's mess. One of the things that concerns me with Obama being president is that he speaks the word's and has intentions of Martin Luther King and look what happened to Mr. King. I only hope that Mr Obama will take great lengths to protect himself so he will be able to follow through and help the economy because let me say...the economy is horrifying. I never thought I would experience a depression. History ...repeats itself.
– Good Luck Mr. Obama.
Yes, Yes, Yes!!! He'll change the world.....in less than a year!!!
World hunger, poverty, racism, war, disease!! The Obamessiah will fix it all!!!! Oh, thank goodness for His Holiness' being revealed to us and our infinite wisdom to crown Him with endless crowns!!!
Let us worship the Obamessiah!!! Let us praise His Holy name!!! He is perfection incarnate. He will solve ALL the world's problems!!! Let the personality cult IDIOTS kneel before their Lord & Master!!!!
After 8 years of presidential performance way below expectations, even regular expectations would seem high. Really, there's no where to go but up!
if anyone can barack obama can,, he has a lot on the platter, but in time,, he will take care of it,,,, my faith is in him,,, its been so messed up for so many years,, its time to let someone like him take care of it,,,,, go barack ,go!!!!!!!
in regards to garys comment,, wow,, you are a angry person,,, and obviously predijuce too,,,, so no-one can chg your mind,, but ,, in time,, you will see a better world,, and happier people around the world,,,, as far as blaming democrats??,lol,, arent you lucky you hav another party to blame???? republicans have had it for so long and ,, its time to let democrats do it( the right way),,, goo!!! barabk!!! go!!!!( show em,, and prove em wrong!!!!)
S McD November 13th, 2008 6:24 pm ET
This is the silliest story I have read in a long time.
We need realistic expectations and the Obama worship to end.
----------------
I agree 100%. We shouldn't worship the guy. After all, he can't exactly walk on water.
He did, however, give Stevie Wonder his eyesight back, during the Democratic National Convention!
Don't worry, he will deliver. Give him time. America gave that stupid bush 4 yrs and when they didnt have enough they gave him 4 more. President-elect Obama hasn't even taken office. God bless President Obama and Vice President Biden. And God bless America!!!!!!
so so happy to see bush gone! Obama, start the investigations. There's time and it's worth it. If they can go after Clinton for a silly thing like an affair, then by God we need to find out what bush did to screw up our country so bad. He is a disgrace. How can we let this man ride off into the sunset after all the damage he has done to us?
It's beyond me if they don't investigate bush. Nasty inhuman creature!!
hometowndemocrat-Amen!
Gary,
As you apparently are all knowing, tell us about this disaster Obama has us headed towards. Is it anything like the disasters this administration has put on this country?
Or do you just foam at the mouth like a good right winger?
I will give NObambi all the respect and support you moron lefties have always given President Bush
i believe president obama will go down in history as one of our best presidents ever, if not the best.
Obama was the best possible choice at this critical point in our countries situation. At least we know that he has a stable and "thinking" mind – we are holding our breath and look forward to January 20th 2009!
PS I like what G.R.I.T. Girl Raised in The South has to say – watch for her blogs!
Obama can never measure up to the expectations. He won the short term victory but will lose when history writes this story.
Yes, the expectations are high. The new administration will be responsible for many of the changes, President Obama will be able to
move us in the right direction. Remember, it is the responsibility of the people of the country to help make these changes a reality. We have to do our part; conserve energy, control debt and start saving money, live within our means, talk to our neighbors, reach out to those who are different from us. We have to educate ourselves to understand where and why our prejudices exist. Help make our neighborhoods safe, everyone has to do their part. Without the involvement of the people in this new administration we will be no better off in 4 years than we are right now. Barack On!!!
terri from texas
PS all you Bushmaniacs and Palin en Tologists! We won – its the Dems turn – we don't need another President or VP for the Comedy Machine – let them find someone else – we need a President to run the country and try to get us out of the ditch and back toward the Interstate!
Vet – people like you wil crucify Jesus over and over-- again.
The whole world is happy for this guy and you are still negative.
The republicans have actually succeded in brain watching their so called base who will never see anything good in others even if the whole world approves.
Obama won landslide get over it. By the way 25% of Rep. voted for him and now 45% expects he will be a good president.
i don't know what they think Obama's plans will do to help the country,He will give good hard earned money to the poor to buy votes.
Try to destroy the second amendment. And cause retired seniors to live with a lot less money, They voted a whim,not to strengthen America.
What is with everyone saying how terrible the past 8 year were?? In reality they were pretty good, our business hired more people, paid them well and provided health insurance. We had the best years we have ever had. The economy was booming. Now we are heading into a recession that will likely become a depression. I am willing to bet that many on this board are under 30 and have never lived through a recession or any hard times. We are looking ahead and wondering if our business can survive under Obama, I am doubtful. Too bad Obama doesn't understand how a business operates.
But the MSM press is doing it's best to lower those expectations.
I think Obama will definitely be successful, but big changes don't happen over night. He's not just going to slap a Band-Aid on things. It's going to take some time to make sure it's done right. I think most Americans realize that.
SINCE BUSH SET THE BAR SO LOW IT SHOULD NOT BE DIFFICULT TO ACCOMPLISH, SINCE OBAMA IS GOING TO ACTUALLY DO MORE THAN WAGE WAR AND KICK DOWN MONEY TO HIS BUDDIES WHAT HE ACCOMPLISHES WILL LOOK QUITE MIRACULOUS!!!
Absolutely!
And if the media, such as CNN, will be fair–more than they have been since the November 4 election, then maybe.......
Just maybe....
Obama, and thus America, will have a chance.
Sue,
You don't have a clue as to what socialist means. When Alaska returns money to it's citizens for the use of the state resources, that is not socialism. When you take something away from one person and give it to another, that is socialism. Go look at Obama's tax plan and you'll get a good sense of socialism.
It appears Barack is quiet and he has nothing to say. It is a wrong choice for our presidency. Anyway American people have to learn it. A real bad choice.
The Obama worship should have ended well before the election. Now that he is elected, we should not let people forget the worshipping they have done.
But I know the MSM will do it's best to wipe out the pre-election worshiping that was going on so that when he fails to live up to expectations, the gap will not be as big.
The title of this article will be is downfall!
conservative November 13th, 2008 5:02 pm ET
Wow ; he really is the messiah ! Must be so; the fawning media is hyping it ( and I thought they were atheists)! Foolish me for doubting the media .
-------------------------
No, he's not the messiah. He will gladly accept burnt offerings from you, though.
It was a pretty big election promises that were made by Obama. Now we expect him to deliver and I hope he can and will. He promised change and we want it.
First of all no matter what you think of Bush this is not all his doing this is years of corruption & greed on both sides also Clinton is the one who signed NAFTA & what has that done for us the main thing he did was distract the country with a sex scandel while he did god knows what I'm sure that made our counrty look good to others. Also I thinks that it is so wrong to take defense every time Obama is criticized thats part of being in politics you have to take the good with the bad & one more thing worse that a soar loser is a sarcastic winner Obama won & still everyone is complaining this is what you wanted deal with it.
One of the things that the Obama administration should consider doing is to take the bailout and give each taxpayer $180,000. They will use this to buy stuff which will create demand and therefore create more production of goods and services, which will produce more jobs. Homeowners can pay off mortgages and debts, which will free up money for them to spend... again creating more jobs as demand for goods and services increase.
If the government gives this money to the banks they will just hoard it. Consumers will sink deeper into debt as high interest rates kick in. This will affect credit scores, which will prevent consumers from getting loans... and the visious circle will continue.... Give the bailout to the taxpayers...its our money, anyway!!!
Obama could never deliver on all the things that people hope for. Nonetheless, he will make steady progress.
I hope Shaun (Idiot) Hinity is listening.
Move to your right, Bush. I can still see your face.
It amazes me that most of the people expecting the most of President Obama are the ones who voted twice for G.W. Bush, and also the ones who are painting a picture of doom for white, Christian America under an Obama administration. They are also the ones who are pointing out that even though Obama has been "President Elect" for nine whole days, all the problems caused by the Bush/Cheney administration are still with us.
Hey .,....They did it on this election ,..N ,..They will do it all da way to 2012, with no doubt,.""'Yes they can"' yes we can" to 2012
I think he's out of there in four years,he's a NOVA or a bright star in the sky that's already burned out,it appears to be something,but it's really nothing.
REST IN PEACE,,, AMERICA
Vet in Texas– you are too much of a cry baby to be a Vet. News flash, the election is over, you and your ilk lost. So stop parroting McLame/Failin' talking points. The train is moving, jump on or get out of the way.
WOW.. 30 YEARS AGO ,, REMEMBER JIM JONES,,, A TALK A WALK,, AND GUESS WHAT,,, I AN SURE THE OBAMA BOTS WILL BE AT MY DOOR SOON,,, GET READY AND RUN ,, ALL , RISE TO THE KING OF THE WORLD,,,
First he will have to give in to all the people that helped him get elected: ACORN, ACLU, Move On.org, etc. After he breaks all his promises, his ratings will drop. He will be a 1 term president.
It was Obama who set the stage and the mark high with all of his promises and everything that he promised the American people in order to get their vote. So I do hope that he does not back step, but rather keep to the promises that he gave the American people.
ONLY TIME WILL TELL!
WHY DO YOU OBAMA PEOPLE ASK FOR GOD,,, U HAVE GOD IN FRONT OF YOU,, OBAMA
to Alonso – so well said...
Sometimes it takes an observer to state the obvious – do your best!!!
let's let him frist be sworn in,before we start judging him.and i hope he keeps the media in the dark,that way they can't spin and twist.because when they do get something they tell it in million ways.most of the reporter and analist don't what they are talking about.they couldn't get it right during the election so,now they'er trying to explain what happen.
Of course the expectations are high. He is the first Black president. And at this time in America many people are wanting to latch on to the hope for somethng better. Not to mention his presidency has already stamped a place in history....
gregg, what is wrong with you? I'm not sure why you are so jaded and cynical about Obama. I think it's time you get over it. Looks to me like YOU are the only one calling him someone's god. That old idiotic rhetoric is getting old. He's a man. JUST a man. Stop the maddness with the god stuff, sounds like you need God. hope you wake up and get over your hate.