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.