Obama Is Back

Finally, this much-maligned president has kept a campaign promise.

Overturning the ban on homosexual American soldiers serving openly in the military is an important victory for Barack Obama. This much-maligned president has finally kept a campaign promise, just as patience among gays and lesbians was about to run out.

According to opinion surveys, 60 percent of American citizens are against “don’t ask, don’t tell.” The Pentagon also gave the green light to ending the policy, and a total of eight Senate Republicans voted with their Democratic colleagues. Not so long ago, such a concession would have been nearly impossible.

It’s now apparent that Obama’s defeat in the midterm elections has given him de facto more maneuvering room in negotiations. His old lame duck Congress is now passé; the Republicans are now in the majority — and it’s already beginning to run like clockwork for the Democrats. Just a week ago, Obama was able to get the largest tax law in U.S. history passed, even if major concessions had to be made to do so. There’s little doubt that he will also be able to get the START treaty for nuclear arms reductions signed before the Christmas recess. Why is that?

The loss of power on the Democratic side has resulted in Obama being “un-demonized” in the eyes of many conservatives: The “black socialist” has been defanged. At the same time, Republicans are looking to shed their negative image in the coming year in the run up to the 2012 elections. This combination finally offers the charming orator a platform to demonstrate his strengths. He will finally be able to achieve what he had so steadfastly promised during his spectacular campaign: bi-partisan government. In the history of mankind, many a lame duck has been transformed into a graceful swan. It would be nice if Obama took advantage of that opportunity in 2011.