On The Campaign Trail: Barack Obama

Most Americans will tell you that the economy is not doing very well, but some government officials are trying to change this conception. President Obama in particular--as seen in his state of the union speech--is trying to paint a lighter picture of the economy. The question, however, is whether or not the American people will buy the idea that Obama really has made things better--and will continue to do so if reelected. An Article by Ed Kilgore published in Washington Monthly entitled "Presidential Self-Promotion and the 'Referendum' Trap" argues that if Obama is to win, he will have to hark on the fact that the situation he inherited was far from ideal.

Kilgore has two provisions to his arguments, however. First, Kilgore argues, Obama must display his record well, while still expounding on his plans for the future. Second, Obama must make sure he doesn't dwell on the past--and his republican predecessor--too much because that would appear defensive and backward looking.

Upon review, I think that Kilgore has legitimate points. The American people know the economy isn't doing well, but if Obama can point them back to how bad it was, that will be a step in the right direction for his campaign. In addition, as Kilgore points out, this approach must be balanced with past accomplishments and future goals.

As a conservative, I do not agree with all of the rhetoric used in the article, but I think that the foundational concept is solid. Kilgore has logically laid out some strategies that, if implemented correctly by the Obama administration, have the potential to reward him with a second term.