Celebrate the moment. From then, it's not who Obama is, but what he does

[CHIMO]

Since Barack Obama first announced his candidacy in Springfield, Illinois, almost two years ago, we have witnessed a series of "historic moments" - each more portentous than the last. Tomorrow, his inauguration as the 44th president of the US marks the curtain call on a symbolic storyline in varying degrees dramatic, implausible and impressive.

Since that heady election night, most of the posters and badges supporting him have remained on display - as though to take them down would prematurely surrender his victory moment to posterity. Most bore his likeness in socialist realist style while bearing single word commands like Hope, Believe and Change. After lunchtime tomorrow that word should say Power. From the moment he lifts his hand and takes the oath, the popular transition from dream to reality, and aspiration to destination, will be complete. Obama's supporters will have to wake up to the fact that he has arrived. From that point on, the issue is no longer what he is and means, but what he does.

And there will be a lot to do. The constitutional interregnum between one West Wing occupant and another is not the only transition that has been taking place since early November. The economy has shifted from recession to slump and from laissez-faire to state intervention, while Gaza has gone from an open prison to a mass graveyard. At convenient moments Obama has claimed that there can only be one president at a time. But the truth is that for much of the last two years there has been none. Being a lame duck is one part of George Bush's tenure that he has taken seriously, even as the country has been crying out for leadership.

So expectations are high. Obama hasn't even started the job yet and his approval ratings are 83%. According to a recent Gallup poll, more than half believe he will reduce healthcare costs, double the production of alternative energy, cut taxes, withdraw troops from Iraq, close Guantánamo and make it easier for unions to organise. Around two-thirds think he will ensure that all children have healthcare, increase the number troops in Afghanistan, lift government restrictions on stem cell research, and boost spending to build the nation's infrastructure. Seventy per cent think they will be better off by the time he has finished his first term. That's a lot of weight to put on those skinny shoulders.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/19/obama-inauguration

[stray cat]

1. and what are other potential choice for president would do: McCain and Palin

DUers will certainly disagree with Obama at times but it pays to remember the choice was ultimately between Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin and I don't think I will ever regret my choice of Obama/Biden based on that choice.

[fortyfeetunder]

2. It's all a matter of perspective

this mess was not made overnight, nor should we expect Obama to fix everything rapidly.