Category: Obama's First 100 Days

Obama takes responsibility for candidates who withdraw

The next few years might be dubbed the "Era of Responsibility."

Check out this interview of President Obama as he explains how he feels about losing two job candidates today who had to pull out due to tax issues.

He said, "There are not two sets of rules. That's exactly why I think today was an embarrassment for us. I think it was a problem, and we're fixing it."

It was really refreshing to see the president be straightforward and admit to being frustrated and embarrassed while remaining optimistic about the future of his administration and their ability to help the country.

"That's part of the era of responsibility, is not never making mistakes ... it's owning up to them and trying to make sure you don't repeat them, and that's what we intend to do," he said.

No matter what you think about what Obama has accomplished in his first three weeks, I think most would agree the man certainly still has a way with words. That won't be enough for him to accomplish everything he's promised, but it certainly doesn't hurt his goals when he has everyone listening.

Category: Obama

Obama keeping promises from the start

Here is a link to the "Obameter" , which keeps track of all of the promises President Obama made on the campaign trail. There are about 500 promises, each with a description or direct quote. The promises can either be No Action, In the Works or Stalled. Once action is taken, it informs you whether the promise was kept, compromised or broken. So far in the first few days of his presidency, Obama has kept five promises, including directing military leaders to end the war in Iraq and appointing a Republican to his cabinet. I think this is a great way to keep tabs on the new president, and I feel like he has already been doing a good job at keeping his promises.

Category: Obama takes office

High expectations, hopes for Obama's first 100 Days

President Obama captivated the world yesterday, and those eyes remain on him, waiting to see how well the new administration follows through.

Even though bringing about the policy changes and feeling the effects of those changes will take time, Obama being sworn in as president lifted the spirits of many. A change in mindset can make the coping process easier until the actual problem-solving begins. It is easier to make it through the difficulties of the present knowing that change is on its way, but Obama will still need to act quickly to prove that he is as passionate as his rhetoric.

He still has the ability to make the world listen, but the world has expectations, and the Obama administration will need to do at least three things consistently to make sure that hope remains while the government shifts.

The administration will need to have:

1. Transparency. The world needs to be able to trust that the new administration will admit inevitable mistakes. No one is right 100 percent of the time, but those who admit to and learn from errors will retain the trust of others after the whole ordeal is over.

2. Willingness to communicate with the people. This goes along with transparency, but it also involves keeping an open dialogue that listens to the suggestions of the nation. They already have a great start with all of the citizen input they ask for online, but they will need to continue the conversation with the public to ensure that the administration does not become secluded inside D.C., isolated from the world outside the realm of politics.

3. Calm. Obama is known for being level-headed, and that calm in the face of the storm will undoubtedly be called upon repeatedly. Every president faces issues that divide the country, and the world, but those issues must be dealt with in a manner that reflects a willingness listen to all sides of the issue and take the time to make the best decision. Even though there will always be some people displeased with a decision, they are more likely to respect that decision if it has obviously been well thought through.

If the Obama administration can achieve these, the hope that resounded on inauguration day will continue to resonate.

Category: Inauguration Day

Thank you, President Bush

Thank you, President Bush. Thank you for standing up for the United States and dealing with the worst attack on American soil in years with confidence, grace, and determination.

Thank you for vowing to defend and protect our nation to the best of your knowledge, facing public disdain and hatred in the process. Thank you for being pre-emptive and attempting to reach the core of the problem before it potentially reached us.

Thank you for keeping taxes low for all. Thank you for understanding the need for Americans to keep their money and use it how they want.

Mr. President, during your time in office you have faced many challenges but have dealt with them in a way like few others could. You have faced criticism with your head held high, never wavering from your values and striving to make America a safer place for all of us.

So thank you, President Bush. While history and people may see otherwise, know a few realize and appreciate the effort you put forth to make the United States, and the world, a better place to live.

President Barack Obama, you, too, have many challenges ahead of you. The nation awaits your first actions as the leader of this country. While you deserve respect as the commander in chief, I can only hope you that you realize that keeping this nation safe is your No. 1 priority.

• Enlarge

Category: Inauguration Day

First 100 days already under way

After the elaborate ceremonies that took place in Washington the last couple of days, it is now down to business.

We can now see Obama's most important issues to him be put into action. It will be interesting to see what Obama can actually push through.

Today in his speech he talked about his critics who say he can't possibly do everything he promised. But he believed he can, and he cited the America of the past. It is going to take a united effort from everyone to move this country forward.

In other news, Obama really is important on the international stage. My girlfriend is studying abroad in Rome, Italy, at John Cabot University, an American University in Rome. Today they asked 20 students to come on the Italian version of "Larry King" to talk about the Obama inauguration. Everyone around the world is interested and intrigued by an Obama administration. Hopefully this newfound confidence will help America's image across the world and help us get things done globally.

In this new day and age, as the world is becoming flatter and flatter, that will be very important. We have to be the leaders in helping out Third World countries, helping to end genocide and spreading messages of peace and prosperity to all.

Category: Inauguration Day

The start of Obama's administration

As one of the first acts of administrative business, Barack Obama is taking charge of the White House. He has ordered a halt on all pending regulations until he and his staff are able to review them. President Obama is displaying his desire to be a hands-on leader and his commitment to the American people.

Category: Inauguration Day

The only thing missing from the inauguration

Today's inauguration brought a lot of festivities, including two fantastic musical performances. However, one thing was missing: Apparently "Congress" voted against including the following performance. In my opinion, a very unfortunate decision.

Category: Inauguration Day

Students gather at MSU Union to watch inauguration

Category: Inauguration Day

Obama to speak at each ball tonight

There are sure to be many new inspirational quotes and soundbites on the news tomorrow, as Obama will give a speech at each of the 10 official inaugural balls in Washington, D.C.

"THE NEIGHBORHOOD BALL" is the first of its kind and the most interesting to me. Open and accessible to all Americans, tickets are free or affordable. It is being hosted by Obama to keep his commitment to make this inaugural celebration open and accessible to all Americans.

America's troops will be honored at the "COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S BALL," which is free to its invited guests but not open to the general public. Attendees include Purple Heart recipients, families of fallen heroes, and spouses of deployed military and will be broadcast to American troops around the world on the Pentagon Channel.

MTV will broadcast the "YOUTH INAUGURAL BALL" which is for guests ages 18-35. Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy will headline.

There are then seven regional balls with tickets costing $150 each. There is the "OBAMA HOME STATES INAUGURAL BALL" for Illinois' and Hawaii's invited guests and the "BIDEN HOME STATES INAUGURAL BALL" for Delaware and Pennsylvania. The others include the "EASTERN INAUGURAL BALL," the "MID-ATLANTIC INAUGURAL BALL," the "MIDWEST INAUGURAL BALL," the "SOUTHERN INAUGURAL BALL," and the "WESTERN INAUGURAL BALL."

It will be a busy night for the new president.

Category: Inauguration Day

If Obama is our man, we need to be Obama's people

Two of my professors didn't hold class today. Not because of harsh weather, illness or car trouble, but so students could watch a man stand before his nation and promise that change had come.

The next four years will reveal whether or not politics will change. The cynic in me says probably not. However, I couldn't help but feel that something was different.

A break from fear. A hope that the actions of the government to reflect the will of the people. A chance that we might unite everyone and stop the hate that so long governed a lot of America's policy decisions.

Obama has a lot to live up to. For all the talk of hope going around these days, what Obama really needs right now is a little faith. Faith that these goals are achievable and obstacles surmountable.

We need to believe in a hope for a future created by us for us. Obama may have been the man chosen to lead, but we are the people chosen to carry out these grandiose plans and ambitions. We need to be ready for the challenges that lay ahead. If Obama is our man, we need to be Obama's people.

The pomp and circumstance is over. Let's go to work.