Obama On Target

     The Constitution demands that the President address Congress on a regular basis to discuss the state of our union. Today was Obama's second such address.
     Many talked of the mess that President Obama was in after the mid-term election. Obama himself called it a shellacking. Since the election, however, he has managed to strike a deal with Republicans on tax cuts, and signed legislation ending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. His speech he gave after the assassination attempt on Gabrielle Giffords was an overwhelming success, and his approval ratings have returned to 51%. This state of the union was seen as a key moment for Obama to keep his momemtum rolling.
     So, how did he do? Obama's theme was "Winning the Future." He spoke of the innovation that America is famous for, and called on the country to keep striving ahead in the 21st century. To this aim, he called for education reform, citing his "Race to the Top" program. He called on elected officials to give teachers proper respect, but also demanded accountability. For this educated work force to truly thrive in the United States, we need the infrastructure to support it. We are being outspent by China, Russia, and Europe, and our infrastructure is crumbling. It is vital for American business that they have reliable communication and transportation.
     It wasn't all progressive utopia, though. The President spoke of the corporate tax rate, filled with loopholes, yet among the highest rates on earth. This system guarantees that big corporations can avoid paying taxes all together, while most small business suffer under oppressive tax rates. Tax reform has been a goal of conservatives and progressives for a long time, but too many interest groups have a stake for any progress to be made. Obama has placed the issue on the agenda, and he has proved effective at forming unlikely political coalitions.
     Of course, any policy matter that one could think of was addressed in some way. From energy to healthcare to foreign wars, Obama took positions designed to gain support from moderates and business leaders without alienating his base. Did he accomplish this? It's hard to say. Many liberals don't want the President to compromise with the center-right, and to them, this speech with be just another disappointment by Obama. Given the new political landscape in Washington, however, he may not have much choice.
     Obama has always been an effective communicator. In fact, he probably should do it more. He has tried his best to govern as a progressive, and probably has turned off some of those who voted for him in 2008. In the next two years, he will no doubt drift to the center. This will be great for his re-election campaign. While many consider him too cool, he is best when he appears to be the grown-up. Defend his base, and find common ground with fiscal conservatives, and he will sail to a second term. Then we'll see what kind of liberal he really is!