Obama's Angry Resurrection

Yes, he’s still alive: U.S. President Barack Obama’s speech on the job market was passionate, almost irate. “You should pass it right away!” he called to the Republicans. His 450-billion-dollar job package should serve as a clearance for the economy. Even if the opposition doesn’t play along, his fiery appearance could still be very beneficial to him.

Obama has risen. As of late, America’s president has appeared paralyzed, weighed down by America’s economic crisis, overpowered by Republicans, entangled in self-doubts. On Thursday evening Obama showed his nation: He’s still alive.

In his speech before the assembled Congress, the president passionately, almost irately, demanded that Washington’s politicians take on their responsibility for the country and “stop the political circus.” And then Obama landed a double blow, something that neither friend nor foe thought him capable of. The first was the recovery of the U.S. economy; the second came in the project of the autogenic reanimation of his presidency.

The president unveiled a very detailed crisis program whose elements have all been supported by Democrats and Republicans at one time or another. “You should pass this right away,” was the call that he exclaimed again and again to the gathered delegates. “Right away!”

Actually, Obama’s American Job Act is no left-Keynesian ideological essay, but rather pure pragmatism. And a balancing act. Economists warn that his recommendation alone is not enough and political strategists prophesize he’s risking too much.

In any case, it isn’t anything revolutionary. In 2012 the average American family should find $1,500 more in their wallets (and hopefully spend it); at the same time, small business owners would be relieved. That alone could pump $245 billion into the economic cycle.

This is followed by $140 billion for various grants for school renovations ($30 billion), streets and bridges ($50 billion) and salaries for teachers and police officers who would otherwise be laid off ($35 billion). All of this makes sense and adds up to $450 billion.

Certainly, Obama didn’t dare to reveal the total price of his package in the Capitol. And his assurance that it will be paid for sounds bold. Obama will present proposals for the budget cap in 11 days.

That already alienated some Republicans (leading the way was every tea party blusterer, who ostentatiously boycotted the address of their head of state). America’s right reacted with stony expressions to Obama’s second, fiery talking point, where the president sounded rather vague and yet particularly passionate.

With that Obama made it clear that he would not just give in (like he did recently in the tax dispute). He conjured images of social equity (and, consequently, tax hikes for billionaires). He even cited the vows of the Pledge of Allegiance, which every student in American schools swears takes each morning to “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

For a few moments it seemed like a revival of the spirit of 2008, that faithful evocation of hope and change. On this evening in Congress the same Obama stood at the podium who had once enchanted his country and who recently has dwindled to a mere shadow of himself.

Another possible intention of his speech also shimmered through: If and when Republicans actually reject his job package, Obama wants to use their recommendations as a weapon in order to fight the perpetual naysayers and alleged traitors in the election campaign.

For his vision of a better America. And also for his re-election.