I have never been so excited about a presidency in my life. From the moment I heard Barack Hussein Obama's speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention, I knew we needed him as president. He has got it all-- intelligence, knowledge, good looks, charisma, dignity, honor, integrity, humility, vision, oratory skills, altruism, humor, etc. etc. etc. He's got a beautiful and charming wife, and two darling daughters, all of whom steal our hearts. I am anticipating (and hoping and praying) that he will be able to realize his dreams of truly changing the game on both the domestic and the international fronts.

So many times, I want to comment here on something he has said or done, or something he just is, and there doesn't seem to be a place for it. So I'd like to start this thread to be that place.

I was so impressed listening to Pres. O's speech to the Russian students today. He is using all the earnestness, charisma, and humility he's got to coax those who have traditionally been our enemies into a new vision of partnership in facing our mutual global threats and challenges. He was equally impressive in his speech to the Muslim world from Cairo.

It seems clear that Pres. M has been totally charmed by our President. It also appears, from the photos, that Putin was equally determined to resist the charisma of the young leader who threatens his posture in the world.

On the domestic front, Huffingtonpost reports that our dear President has corrected a few things that have been put out there by the VP and by Rahm. He makes it clear that the public option for health care is not off the table, and he makes it clear that Biden's comments on our not being able to prevent Israel from attacking Iran is not a green light for Israel to do so.

I just read a lovely article on Obama returning dignity to the public square--from the conservative David Broder. It goes all the way back to Washington to look at how dignified our first leaders were, and how all dignity has disappeared from the public arena, except for Obama. It's a good read:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/opinion/07brooks.html?_r=3

I'm interested in the comments and reactions of others, as we all watch the unfolding of this revolutionary presidency.

This thread doesn't have to be all seriousness and business. It can include Obama's brilliance at basketball, and his dismal performance (that he laughs at) at bowling and golf. It can include comments on his gorgeous suits and ties, to his down home (some call dorky) threads.

Serious, or light and fun. This is the place to talk about our President.

Thanks, all, for your comments. I'm looking forward to reading what will appear here.

@Operafanatic - Thanks for the correction. You're right. It was a David Brooks article I linked to, not David Broder. Sorry.

@IVA - I think you're right about President Obama's "uniform". I've heard him say that he hates to shop. He does as little of it as possible. His family members tease him about the clothes he's worn for years. Remember the shoes with holes in the soles from the campaign?

I think he has so much on his mind, it's just comfortable for him to put the same thing on every day and go to work. However, I do remember that taupe gabardine suit, and he looked great in it.

@the other jenna - I like hearing you say that you are white and a Republican, but still voted for Obama. I'm white, too--though not Republican--but that didn't prevent me from seeing the caliber of the skinny black guy with the funny name speaking at the '04 Democratic Convention.

@IVA - That's a great way to say it. He lives a measured life. He is so steady and even, centered and grounded. We can trust that he won't do anything impulsive, but will act only after serious thought and consideration.

I'm a little worried about him right now, though. The conservative media sources (all of them) are talking up his drop in the the polls. They have a lot to do with the perception that he should have stopped the job loss and turned this economy around by now. It's way too early to expect that kind of change. He's only been in for six months. The stimulus bill was signed about four months ago, I think.

But, he didn't appoint someone to make sure that stimulus money got spent quickly and efficiently, and so much of it is still not out in the country doing what it was designed to do.

Also, he's had to correct mis-spoken words from Biden and Emanuel, which is not a good thing. Can he reign them in?

The liberals are afraid he won't produce a public health care option, the conservatives are afraid he will. There are some rough seas ahead, and his style of leadership seems to be more laid-back than some people would like. I notice he took a 10 point hit in "see him as a strong leader".

I do think he needs to get out front more on health care and some other issues. He may be hanging back too much, hoping for leadership and cooperation in the house and senate.

IVA, you're right, I have a big time crush on him, not only personally, but as a leader for our country. I want him to do so very well, and to soar in the polls for the next eight years--unrealistic, I know, but that's my crush talking. ;-)

@Operafanatic - ;-) ;-) ;-)

@IVA - he does! ;-) I think he's just cute from head to toe. But what I love even more than that is his intelligence, his temperament, his sensitivity, his humor, his incredible smile. He's got oodles of talent in so many ways. Michelle is one very lucky lady! ;-)

I think you're right about the likeability factor. He certainly has that, and I think, too, that if he just got on TV with a speech or press conference when he gets back, and talked to the American people about these things, his numbers would go back up.

I read a lot of liberal blogs, and the liberals are really upset with him about lots of things. They feel he's broken his campaign promises on lots of issues, like the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, and the funding of needle exchange programs. He says he wants to do these things through the congress, because they would be more long-lasting and binding that way.

He also promised lots of transparency in government, and return to rights for Guantanamo prisoners and all, but he seems to be hedging on some of these things. I explain this to myself by saying that it's easy to make promises with the info a candidate has, but he perhaps learns many things as president that the rest of us will never know, and these factors may cause the shift in position.

Any enlightening on this that anyone can provide will be appreciated.

Thanks.

IVA - thanks for your very well-written explanation of it all. I think part of my problem with sorting it all out is that I identify as a liberal. I read mostly liberal blogs. And even though I somethings think that doctrinaire liberalism is as dangerous as doctrinaire conservatism, these are the strongest influences in my life.

The ACLU and all the bloggers believe strictly in: If you cannot charge and convict the people in GITMO, they must be released. They are absolutely going crazy as Obama says that he may not release everyone who has not been convicted of a crime. But you are so right. There are probably some very dangerous people among those prisoners who can never ben convicted, because, as you say, evidence is contaminated, or obtained through torture, and cannot be used.

I wish these liberals would stop being so rigid. Their constant criticism of Obama is going to help independents and others to abandon him.

You are so right about the enormous amount that Obama has accomplished in just 6 short months. I heard a commentator say just the other day that he is trying to tackle any number of things, each of which would have been the total work of previous presidents for half a term, at least. I wish people would remember that, and say it often.

It's almost as though expectations of Obama have been so high, that no matter how much he gets done, it's never enough.

Anyway, I'm going to be in his corner from now until his 8 years are up, and beyond.

I've got to run now.