Is Obama Losing Charisma?

The arrival of Obama to the White house was an exceptional thing. Hardly anybody knew who he was; it was his first term as senator; he didn’t have any relevant achievements behind him . . . but he was able to speak to the American public the way they had longed for. He brought the change of scenery the public desired, leaving behind Hilary Clinton, who is more mature and prepared, but also part of the system they wanted to change. Almost a year later, Americans still see him as a symbol of a new era, but his value as someone to bring this change has taken a nose dive.

Polls show the population has been losing confidence in Obama as a reformer. If his health reform, currently under discussion, fails, it will demonstrate that he doesn’t have the backing of the majority of United States citizens. While they are frightened by debt and rising unemployment, the strategy for overcoming the economic crisis is not seen as a success. We already know that his foreign policy prescription fell by the wayside and that easing positions would make more than one person outside the U.S. happy, but it doesn’t seem like this is the best way to defend national interests. In all sectors, Obama is failing, but his image of reform and change still continues . . . although not for long.

The year of grace is over. Next year brings with it congressional elections, and the Democratic Party is preparing itself for the loss of seats gained by a few, more moderate Democratic candidates. It is likely that Republicans will regain the gubernatorial post in Virginia, given how conservative the state is. But if they win in New Jersey, it’s a different story, and this may set an important precedent. Obama has just a year to rectify his mistakes and demonstrate that he is able to resolve the problems of the people; if not, he risks exposing himself to a resurgence of Republicanism.