WASHINGTON – Now that we have a track record consisting of two years of legislative service, it’s time to evaluate the overall performance of President Barack Obama. Please note, the grades given are based on what was originally expected from Obama when he took office coupled with his ability or inability to reach certain goals as promised.
There’s no question the Bush Administration left Obama a huge mess to clean up. But that comes with the territory. Be advised, Professor Hodges doesn’t grade on a curve. Just because a poor assessment is given today doesn’t mean it can’t be improved and/or rectified by tomorrow.
*Grade Chart
A = Exceptional
B = Above Average
C = Average
D = Below Average
F = Failing
Before reading, please understand I totally support Obama’s presidency. I’m not particularly pleased with some of his policies. He does seem a little soft for my taste. And Republican House Speaker John Boehner has made a daily habit of punking him in front of national TV cameras.
Nevertheless, Obama is still our president. And he deserves our unwavering support.
If you disagree with the professor’s report card, please share your thoughts and comments below. Read on…
GRADING OBAMA’S PERFORMANCE
National Employment: When Obama took office, national unemployment rested somewhere in the neighborhood of 7.2%. During the past year or so, the rate escalated to 10% before dipping back down to the current level of 8.8%. Today, a U.S. record 42 million Americans are receiving food stamps. And 15 million citizens are sitting at home jobless, watching paternity tests on Maury. Whether fair, these shortcomings certainly fall on the lap of the Obama Administration. Grade: C
Black Employment: While the national unemployment rate has dropped to 8.8%, black unemployment has fluctuated to a mind-boggling 15.5%. Just one year ago today, black joblessness peaked at 16.5%. Yikes! This disparity suggests legislative attention is warranted. The Obama Administration, for whatever reason, has refused to publicly confront this issue. Compounding matters is the sad fact women’s groups, the gay community, and Latino organizations have received high priority from the Obama Administration while African-American issues have been shoved to the back of the bus. Grade: F-
Public Education: Nationally, the public education scene couldn’t be more dire as academic institutions across the globe are shutting down at a rapid rate. Locally, Superintendent John Covington set a U.S. record by contracting 26 schools within the Kansas City educational district. Teachers nationwide are being hit with untimely lay-offs and furloughs as state funding for education continues to dwindle. Obama has always made scholastic achievements (specifically math and science) a major point of emphasis during his national addresses. But, as of right now, he hasn’t walked the walk, or backed up the talk. Grade: D
Public Healthcare: Universal healthcare was proposed then passed under Obama’s watch. This is both an historic and necessary achievement. Why? Because the United States is the only industrialized nation to not offer public healthcare. If he plays his cards right, Obama has a chance to make history. Grade: A+
Foreign Policy/Military: The Obama Administration is currently overseeing three wars simultaneously (Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan). Government expenditures, along with national debt, have soared through the roof as a result. When he took office, many of us became enamored with the fantasy Obama’s diplomacy alone would bring peace to rival nations. That hasn’t been the case at all. As a matter of fact, you could make a strong argument international conflict has escalated since his inauguration. Grade: D-
National Addresses: No president has made more public/television appearances than Mr. Obama. Although he’s considered a Prima Donna by some, I find Obama’s national addresses to be more of a positive than a negative. After all, I’d rather see too much of him than not enough. I do, however, find it disturbing our Commander-in-Chief carries himself like a celebrity at every possible turn. Slow reaction to the BP Oil Spill accompanied by Obama’s controversial decision to fill out NCAA tournament brackets on ESPN during our painful time of crisis have ruffled the feathers of many. As our nation’s highest ranking officer, he could certainly set a better example. But, for now at least, I’ll give Obama the benefit of the doubt. Grade: A
National Budget: As mentioned earlier, government expenditures have shot through the roof as of late. Former president George Bush started the party. And the Obama Administration has subsequently picked up where he left off. Look, members of Congress can blame minority homeowners, irresponsible spending and foreclosures all they want for the economic decline of America. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that billions of dollars are being pumped into three puzzling wars against 3rd world countries. Grade: C-
Tax Policy: Obama inexplicably extended the Bush Tax Cuts which feature significant tax incentives for the rich. With Democrats like Obama, who needs Republicans? Grade: F
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of MassAppealNews.com. He also serves as District Committee Delegate in Johnson County, he’s a candidate for Kansas Senate District #7, and he’s an adjunct professor in Kansas City.
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