The Democratic National Convention will deliver a grand finale tonight in Charlotte, granted to a much smaller audience than originally planned for at Bank of America Stadium, but it still promises to rival some of Hollywood’s greatest American dramas. The entire convention has played out like a movie that you would go see at one of your local theaters. On the first night, mega star Michelle Obama successfully introduced the plot and set the scene, and last night rock star Bill Clinton attempted to make a heartfelt connection with swing voters. I actually heard a delegate say, “I laughed, I cried, it was incredible.”
The final act will feature Mr. Obama on the grand stage making a passionate plea to undecided voters for another four years to restore prosperity. Undoubtedly, he will present a compelling case for why more time is deserved – but in the end, voters will have to make a choice between “being patient” and hiring someone else for the job. The electorate has not given the country three consecutive two-term Presidents since Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. Mr. Obama is no stranger to miracles, but he will certainly need another one if he wants a chance at keeping the big “chair”.
Obama’s political career is peppered with amazing opportunities and downright miraculous outcomes. For example, let’s take a look at his first win in 1996 to the Illinois Senate; Obama should have faced a veteran politician in the primary – State Senator Alice Palmer. However, Obama campaign volunteer Ron Davis filed objections to the legitimacy of her nominating petition along with several other Democratic challengers. Davis was successful at clearing the field and Obama was able to run unopposed.
Eight years later in 2004, Obama would receive another blessing in disguise when the Republican primary winner Jack Ryan withdrew from the U.S. Senate race and was subsequently replaced by Alan Keyes; Obama would go on to win the seat with an overwhelming majority. After another four years and only a combined 12 years following his first election win, Obama achieved a goal that most felt were impossible, he became the 44th President of the United States and its first African-American to occupy the White House. Undoubtedly, the GOP’s decision to nominate John McCain, an out of touch longtime politician contrasted well with Obama’s youthful persona and inspiring message of “hope and change”.
Most voters have buyer’s remorse after four years with Mr. Obama at the helm of the largest economies in the world, and rightfully so. The country is trapped in the worst economic environment since World War II. Unemployment is hovering above 8%, annual budget deficits have exceeded $1 trillion during the last four consecutive years, and the national debt just reached an eye popping $16 trillion or 100% of GDP. No elected leader since FDR has been allowed to keep their job in the midst of similar conditions. Can Obama score one final miracle?
The fanfare and jubilee will be at a fever pitch tonight at the DNC. However, I hope voters are not blinded by the flashing lights, talking points, or exceptional oratory skills. Voters should be listening for some key points as Obama presses the case for more time to move our economy “forward”.
Obama should help voters to clearly understand his long-term strategy to repairing the nation’s fiscal situation and rebuilding the U.S. Treasury. I hope Obama carefully considers the 5 million long-term unemployed workers looking for a catalyst that will restart growth and create sustainable jobs – he needs to describe what that catalyst will be. Mr. Obama should speak with authority to voters about his vision for America, the critical need to define the role of government, and make some uncomfortable choices about what public services are most important.
Mr. President, voters understand that you may need more time to solve that nation’s woes, but voters deserve a credible vision, an action plan, and pragmatic leadership.
