100 Days. That’s all, just 100 days. Why is it that the first 100 days is so important? It’s only slightly less than 7% of the overall time a president spends in office for his first term. It is often said that the first 100 days of a new presidency sets the tone for the rest of the time spent in office. While this may be the typical case, I’m not sure it’s such a good metric. I think there’s a lot more to a presidency than the first 100 days. Hell, look at Bush… 9/11 happened long after Bush’s first 100, even 200 days. There’s no telling what would have happened had 9/11 been averted.
Regardless, let’s take a quick look at what Obama has done:
- Ordered the closing of Guantanamo Bay
- Declared an end to the so-called “enhanced interrogation techniques”
- Facilitated the passing of a stimulus plan
- Set a timetable for troop withdrawal from Iraq
- Lifted travel restrictions for Cuban Americans
- Brought America back to the world stage
- Allowed funding for embryonic stem-cell research
And he continues to do more. These are just a few of the “high visibility” changes he has made, but there’s much more to this presidency.
How about his approach to diplomacy? Shaking hands, bowing, etc. In other words, showing proper respect to other world leaders. It’s pretty much common sense that if you show respect to someone else, they’re much more likely to show respect to you.
What about hope? Obama ran on a campaign of hope and change and he’s bringing both, in force. For the first time in years I’m happy to be an American. I’m eager to see what Obama does and how we can move forward as a country. He has inspired me to do more, get involved, and speak my mind. He welcomes differing opinions, without belittling or outright ignoring people.
And leadership! Let’s not forget leadership! He is truly leading this country, rather than playing a game of let’s hide the truth. He’s acting like a real leader should, making decisions when he needs to, but keeping an open mind and asking for advice when he needs it. It’s amazing to finally see a president who can admit that he doesn’t know something and is reluctant to speak about it until he learns more.
So how has he done in his first 100 days? A hell of a lot better than some of his predecessors, and that’s all that counts. No grade needed, I just want him to keep it up!