The Voice - Student Newspaper

Obama's first 100 days in office

By Leah LeMoine
Reporter, The VOICE

President Barack Obama held a press conference April 30 to address the nation about his performance in his first 100 days in office and his hopes for the days to come.

The president began the conference with a quick overview of the issues that are most pressing to Americans right now – the economy, foreign policy, healthcare and, notably, the H1N1 flu virus, more commonly known as the swine flu, which has in recent weeks sent the American people into a panic about the spreading pandemic.

Obama believes that his administration has created a good foundation but still has much to accomplish.

"I think we're off to a good start, but it's just a start," said Obama. "I'm proud of what we've achieved, but I'm not content. I'm pleased with our progress, but I'm not satisfied. Millions of Americans are still without jobs and homes, and more will be lost before this recession is over." Recent Gallup polls reveal that Obama's approval rating has remained relatively consistent throughout his first 100 days. In February it was at 67 percent, and by the end of April he had lost two percentage points, making a short drop to a 65 percent approval rating. His support among liberals has remained stable while more independents have increased their support.

Many of his supporters, however, have been critical of his ability to carry out many of his campaign promises. The economy has not greatly improved, and as Obama himself admitted, many more people will lose their jobs and homes before the recession is over. The war in Iraq is also a concern for many who want a swifter withdrawal for American troops.

Still, the Obama administration has accomplished quite a few of its goals in only 100 days. Obama closed the detention facility at Guantnamo Bay and effectively banned torture without exception. His economic stimulus package was passed, albeit begrudgingly from some factions within Congress. Legislation was passed that extends healthcare coverage to 11 million American children. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which protects women from pay discrimination in the workplace, was also passed.

After his introductory speech, Obama fielded questions from reporters on topics ranging from the India/Pakistan conflict to the government's involvement in the auto industry and its plentiful bailouts to the recent defection of Pennsylvania senator Arlen Specter from the Republican party to the Democratic party.

One reporter elicited a chuckle from the president with his complex, poetically phrased question about what surprised, troubled, enchanted and humbled him about his first 100 days in office.

"I am surprised…by the number of critical issues that appear to be coming to a head all at the same time," said Obama. "Troubled…not so much troubled, but sobered by the fact that change in Washington comes slow. There is still a certain quotient of political posturing and bickering that takes place even when we're in the middle of really big crises." Obama continued, "Enchanted…When I meet our servicemen and women, enchanted is probably not the word I would use, but I am so profoundly impressed and grateful to them for what they do. They are willing to make extraordinary sacrifices on our behalf. They do so without complaint and they are fiercely loyal to our country."

He has been humbled "by the fact that the presidency is extraordinarily powerful, but we are just part of a much broader tapestry of American life."

In his closing, Obama told the American people what to expect from his administration in the months and years to come.

You can expect an unrelenting, unyielding effort from this administration to strengthen our prosperity and our security in the second hundred days, and the third hundred days, and all the days after that."

Please send comments to llemoine@gccvoice.com

By Mary Allan
Reporter, The VOICE

With a deep economic downturn, a trillion dollar federal deficit and fears of more bank losses, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United State of America, the first African American ever to do so.

Candidate Obama made many promises in the campaign, and he has been doing his best to keep those promises, and many have been fulfilled in the first hundred days. He hit the ground running as he started working the day of the inauguration. Exactly 100 days ago, Obama froze salaries for top White House staff members earning $100,000 or more, about 100 people in all. He also enacted new lobbying rules that ban aides from trying to influence the administration when they leave his staff. Another rule banned lobbyists from giving gifts of any size to any member of his administration.

Obama imposed the New Freedom of Information Act rules, making it harder to keep the workings of government secret. Hours after the president had taken the oath of office, Ron Emanuel ordered all federal agencies to bring to a halt any pending regulation that the previous administration tried to push through in its final days.

One of the promises he is not able to keep is bringing the parties together. Not surprising when a democratic majority passed a $410 billion omnibus appropriations bill with over 9,000 earmarks, a wedge was driven between the parties that is still there.

Obama said that not bringing the parties together was one of his biggest disappointments.

Finally one of his most personal promises to his daughters was kept, on April 14; the Obama family welcomed Bo, a six month old Portuguese water dog to the White House.

And you could not talk about the first 100 days without mentioning Michelle Obama. She has stepped into the roll with grace, putting her own mark on the role of the First Lady.

Some of his critics are saying that he is spreading himself too thin, and he is headed for a fall. However, with his high energy and ability to focus on many tasks at once, he well may keep all his promises and more.

Please send comments to mcallan@gccvoice.com