Abortion: Obama has remained staunchly pro-choice throughout the campaign and extending into the first few days in the White House. He has already lifted the infamous “global gag rule”, which cut the funding of charitable organizations offering abortion as an option to women. I doubt President Obama will change on this issue or ever sign a piece of anti-choice legislation.
LGBT rights: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights have, for a long time, been viewed as “wedge issues” for far too many Americans and, as a result, are often ignored by politicians. The Obama administration has taken a strong stance in support of LGBT rights. He has pledged to repeal “don't ask, don't tell” rules that bar LGBT civilians from serving in the army, and his administration is the most LGBT-friendly administration in American history. He opposes the use of the word “marriage”, but supports full civil unions and federal rights for LGBT couples. However, I cannot see our President opposing same-sex marriage if the issue crossed his desk.
Iraq: Despite the polarizing effect of the Iraq war within U.S. politics, Obama has promised to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq. On the web site whitehouse.gov, the Obama administration promises “a responsible, phased withdrawal” by the summer of 2010; a realistic plan.
Economy: With each new day more people lose their jobs and homes, while more and more industries request to be bailed out. At first, Obama promised to sign an economic recovery package on his first day in office. That day came and went, with no such deal signed. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi estimated that a deal could have been reached in early February. However, yesterday Congress passed a stimulus package for over $800 billion. Despite the clearly partisan manner in which the bill was passed – zero Republicans voting for it – Barack Obama will probably sign this bill into action.
Education: In defense of the “No Child Left Behind” act, Former President George W. Bush said, “We don't teach kids to pass the test. We teach them to read, so that they may pass the test.” President Obama has several strong plans to rebuild the American school system. Aside from reforming “No Child Left Behind”, the Obama administration has the “Zero to Five” plan aimed at children before kindergarten, expansion of after school programs, a plan to address the staggering drop out rates, and initiatives to encourage more people to finish college. While at first, these plans seem too far-fetched to be passed, I think that Obama's own success in college will motivate the passage of many of these education reforms.
Oil: On the campaign trail, then-Senator Obama promised to eliminate the import of oil from the Middle East and from Venezuela within 10 years. Critics, including myself, questioned whether this plan would really be accomplished, and I still do. The plan itself remains excellent, but the goals are set slightly too high. However, I can see a bill getting passed by both Democrats and Republicans, in a bipartisan manner.
Gun control: Despite the rumors and fearmongering, Obama does not want to ban guns from the U.S. or anything like that. While not a friend of the NRA, he has repeatedly voiced his support of the Second Amendment, while proposing measures to ensure guns do not fall into the wrong hands. In my opinion, the ban on assault rifles will be renewed and other smaller restrictions will be enacted, such as time limitations on gun purchases.
World stature: Over the past eight years, America has lost considerable respect from the rest of the world. The international sympathy from the September 11 attacks has been turned to a strong dislike over the course of seven years. Whether it be Guantánamo Bay, our rampant xenophobia, the Iraq war, the backlash against Europe, or the embargo against Cuba, every country seems to have its reasons to dislike the US. Already, Obama has ordered the shutting down of GITMO, promised to pull out of Iraq, was interviewed by a Muslim television network, and made a commitment to meet with leaders of countries that the U.S. does not agree with. While our popularity will not fix all the problems, having more friends than enemies will not be a negative.
Science: From prohibiting stem cell research, having a Vice President who did not use e-mail, considering “creationism” a legitimate theory, to referring to a popular search-engine as “the Google”, the Bush administration showed little understanding or respect for science and technology. In his first week, President Obama overturned a ban on stem cell research and began to upgrade the computer systems in Washington. From what we have seen, I think that we can count on this administration to understand that innovation through science and technology should be harnessed, not feared.
Party politics: To many conservative commentators, President Obama, the tenth most Liberal former senator, has been a punching bag since late 2007. So why was it that Obama had dinner with well-known conservatives George Will, David Brooks, and William Kristol? The answer: bipartisanship. The Bush administration was known for chastising and laughing at people who happen to disagree with it. Since the beginning of his candidacy, Obama has spoken out against such close minded approaches of running our country. Whether it be appointing his political opponent, Hillary Clinton, an important Cabinet position or inviting conservative pastor Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration, Obama has clearly shown that even conservatives' voices will be heard in this administration.
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