Waiting for Obama

I generally dislike the ubiquitous What-Obama-Should-Do column. It is lazy opinion writing and too often a platform for simply advancing the (usually wrong) conventional wisdom. But occasionally, the format works. Today, of all people, the Washington Post’s Kathleen Parker gets it right.

Gently directing her exasperation at the president, she writes:

There's a saying that seems applicable here: Work like you don't need money, love like you're never been hurt, dance like no one's watching. Note to President Obama: Lead like there's no tomorrow. No midterm election, no presidential reelection, no party base. Liberate yourself from the Woodward Syndrome, figure out what you think, and lead. You are commander in chief, after all. Half the country may disagree with you, but they'll respect you in the morning.

Well said, fair lady. It is the best advice I’ve heard in a while. Hope Mr. Obama read it, paused, and pondered its truth as he sipped his morning coffee. He is quite the enigma, this complicated but good man.

Check out Parker’s column.