A lot of people ask me what I think about Obama’s presidency. That is a question that takes time to answer thoughtfully.

The current political situation has created a lot of anxiety for me, because I see the gap between America’s emotional frustration and intellectual grasp of the variables that created the frustration, broadening constantly. In fact, Obama’s failure to call out the villains and thoroughly explain the sources of people’s frustration, has left the door open for the Tea Party etc… to harness people’s emotions, even if the frustrated people will fall into supporting the same policies responsible for their problems in the first place.

I have said before that I think Obama is an intelligent, high quality human being, but so far, a less effective leader than I’d hoped for. Obama has been too quick to compromise and has not communicated effectively. A lot of variables have converged unfavorably for Obama and the country, but still, Obama has not demonstrated the leadership for which his campaign showed tremendous potential.

This NY Times editorial, which may be old news for some, insightfully examines Obama’s shortcomings. As I’ve said before, I believe Obama is vastly superior in his values to the Republican opposition, but he is neither strongly verbally advocating for, or potently moving forward with, the policies I’d hoped for. My hope for the sake of the country is that Obama will strengthen his messaging(and actions) ASAP.  Read the NY Times editorial HERE.
-Shepard Fairey