When it comes to President Obama, what happened to the magic of 2008?
By CNN's Jack Cafferty:
What a difference four years makes.
When Barack Obama ran for president against Hillary Clinton and John McCain in 2008, he was unstoppable.
He generated the kind of excitement and enthusiasm among voters that is rarely seen in politics. People couldn't get enough of him and his messages of hope, change and "yes, we can."
Four years later, a lot of that optimism and excitement are gone.
"How the mighty have fallen" is how Maureen Dowd describes it in her New York Times column headlined "Dreaming of a Superhero."
"The president who started off with such dazzle now seems incapable of stimulating either the economy or the voters," she wrote.
The economy remains weak. Friday's dismal jobs report triggered a selloff, and the stock market has now erased all its gains for the year.
As for the voters, a lot of them are disgruntled – including many in the president's own base.
A Forbes column describes how Obama is being left behind by the left wing of his party.
They're frustrated that the president hasn't followed through on key promises like closing Guantanamo Bay, ending the war in Afghanistan or getting tough on Wall Street.
There are anti-Obama e-mails coming from the left that describe a "psychopathic megalomaniac" in the White House and "a cancer in the presidency" – and these are liberals.
Part of this is due to the ugly reality of governing. But you can even see it in the president's campaign events.
There were more than 4,000 empty seats in an Ohio arena that seats 18,000 when the president officially launched his re-election campaign.
That wouldn't have happened four years ago.
Here's my question to you: When it comes to President Obama, what happened to the magic of 2008?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 4pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you're writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
Posted by CNN's Jack Cafferty
Filed under: 2008 Election • 2012 Election • President Barack Obama
Steve, Clifton, Virginia
The reality of a concerted effort to ensure that he fails and only serves a single term stole the magic right out from under President Obama.
June 4, 2012 at 1:41 pm |
The magic met reality and that reality is Republican obstructionism in the House and record-breaking filibusters in the Senate. Republicans have one goal: bring down Obama. If that means sacrificing the economy of the country and job creation, they seem willing to do it. Example: President Obama's jobs bill was put on the shelf in favor of last week's effort in the House to pass a law prohibiting abortions based on gender of the fetus . . . as if that's a huge problem in this country.
What? That was magic? The election of a smooth-talking lawyer? With no understanding – or respect – for the free market or personal liberties? I shake my head...
Ron Paul in 2012...
ranch111
We all know magic is all about illusion. Obama's magic was just that, a illusory diversion.
Steve Newman
Four years of GOP mudslinging will do that to any president.
Tom Bulger, Canandaigua, NY
His determination to work across party lines was sabotaged from day one by Mitch McConnel and the Republican mafia that conspired during the actual inauguration. Filibustering and undermining everything the President has done to get America back on track has endangered more than the jobs bill. It's endangering America and endangering any chance of the Tea Party ever again getting elected for anything.
Bizz, Quarryville Pennsylvania
When Obama became president he ran into a Republican Congress who sat on their asses and refused to do anything that would help our country get back on its feet in hopes of defeating a president. I don't care who you are other than Jesus Christ himself, when that happens to you it kills the magic for everyone.
Martha Brooks
He – and we – probably felt that the Presidency would confer on him the proverbial Magic Wand. Turns out is was just a conductor's baton, and the orchestra was all out of tune.
Martha, Rew, PA
Louis, Jax. Fl.
The emperor has no clothes. He swept into office on a wave of emotion, born out fear of the economic crisis, with promises of hope and change. He hasn't delivered. Now his only strategy is to blame everyone else. Even Nixon had a sign on his desk "The Buck stops here ".
Ken in Pinon Hills, California
Like the Wizard of Oz, Obama turned out to be an ordinary man with no magic.
Bill of New Mexico
That big promise of "Change!"
Troop surge in Afghanistan.
Let Congress do the work. And Congress did with a "health care" behind secret doors.
Now, Obama's has been campaigning for a year.
That is all Obama is. A front. An empty campaign.
As Hillary stated in one of the debates, "One of Johnny Rizo's boys!"
Heaven help us if Obama is elected for a second term.
Mel - Houston
It's still there. You can't see it, Jack. If your feet were in Republican cement you might appear a little differently, wouldn't you? From the day after his inauguration people were catagorically stating that they would see to it that he was a failure as president.
Richard Texas
Jack the magic in a word was Bush and the desire for change from republican to democrat leadership. After years of needless wars and a failing economy under Bush and the republicans Obama was the easy alternative. Obama was a nobody before that With little experience and leadership ability but he was charismatic and could captivate an audience from a teleprompter as long as he stayed on cue. That was all it took. With a kooky slogan of "Hope and Change" they lined up to vote for him. The only real requirement was that he could not be another republican..
George in PA
In 2008 he promised us a change in the way politics was done in Washington DC. Specifically, less influence by lobbyists , less pork, and more transparency. None of this happened. Add in that the economy has been slow in recovering and our National debt is balooning out of control. There has been no magic unless you count in that he's made some of his supporters disappear!
Doug Ericson
Obama's magic didn't work for the younger folks and others that are having a hard time making a living. Realizing this, Obama took off his Wizards hat and became a singer and a comedian. Obamas favorite tune is ": Everybody must get droned ". With the Stock Market tanking, and the European financial crisis creeping closer to the cliffs edge, Obama may need more than the power of his personality to get re-elected. Its possible circumstances have Obama trapped. He can't get involved in any more wars. He can't stop the economic downturn because he won't face up to Wall Street and their toxic investment schemes. I'll tell you what I think. Just get rid of Wall street all togeather and the economy will start getting better again instantly. I have the same fear of Romney getting elected that I had before Carter won. You just know that Romney is an empty suit, and that disaster after disaster will ensue if he wins. I know. Obama can persuade Ron Paul to run as a Third Party candidate. That would help Obama win if the economy keeps getting worse. Doug, Pepperell, MA.
Tom in Desoto, TX
Before Obama was elected, Republicans long decided there was no way this side of the moon they were going to work with him. From Day One it was Hell No!, and it didn't matter what the subject was. Individual republican votes was unnecessary in Congress, they could have delegated one person to cast the vote for all.
uche, dallas Tx
This is because he has worked on water, but the raging waves has not calmed down.
John Boehner and Eric Cantor, is what happened!!
h2oclerk
Several things. First – and least important – the historical significance of electing a black man president is no longer a factor. We've been there now. It hasn't made much difference. Second – "It's the economy, stupid." is a major factor in many people's response to Obama, who dedicated almost half of his time and efforts as president to increase government spending on entitlements before really addressing the unemployment and underemployment issues of the day. And third – a large number of Americans are tired of hearing Obama blame everyone and everything but himself and his policies for the state of the economy. Businessmen are notably afraid of spending on growth under an Obama White House. He represents more taxes and more regulations than they can predict. And the average John Q public, who have begun to understand why businesses are afraid, know that recovery won't happen until businesses feel safe.
ron in ohio
What happened is that the voters were dumb enough to vote in tea partiers and give congress majority to the GOP. The conservatives hollered about the debt, the very debt they created and then presented themselves as the solution. Too many voters are just dumb, misinformed, easily led. The Republicans only, the only, goal has been to defeat the President to regain more power to sock it to the 99% even more. Come on voters, figure out who really serves you and who really hurts you with their constant hate. Vote Democrat.
DT - Saint Paul, MN
Nothing? As far as I can see the President has done absolutely everything in his power to come through with every single promise he made. I think a lot of people are comfortable blaming everything wrong with the world on a single person, rather than opening their eyes and putting blame where it belongs.
Jack, now we know the Obama 'magic' was just slight of hand and illusion. His real magic has been to make the robust economy disappear, along with jobs ; and wave his magic wand so businesses are hamstrung by ridiculous regulations.
and 'Obama-care'.
Ken in Seattle
The Republican Party. While Obama's governance has had a few flaws, Republicans have thrown every road block they can think of in his way greatly hampering attempts to fix the economy. An economy by the way which was in far worse shape when Obama took office than economists thought it was. Thank you again George Bush and the Republican Party. Millions of people in this country are hurting financially and the one and only thing Republicans are concerned about is preventing an Obama second term. Mitch McConnell stated publicly that he wasn't going to do anything that would help Obama get re-elected. The Republican Party should be ashamed of itself. But shame requires a semblance of honesty and integrity in order to recognize one's errors. Traits greatly lacking in the current Republican Party.
Bob Melbourne, FL
The American people are starting to realize his lack of experience can't be hidden any longer. Yes, he inherited a mess created by Pelosi and Reid but he's just made it much worse. His crew manipulates numbers and use smoke and mirrors to distract and cover his incompetence. Personally, I hate to see our country headed towards Greese.
Long before the election votes we counted, Republicans decided they had no intention to work with him. Their collective voice said, "Hell No!" and it didn't matter what the topic was. They were mad when bin Laden was killed. George W Bush still thought he was living in a cave. Republicans could have just designated one person to cast their collective vote in Congress and save the rest time. The vote is no, HELL NO!
Jenna Roseville CA
The magic is still there Jack, where have you been?
We ALL know whose to blame for lack of jobs and it is NOT president Obama.
Dave - Phx
We had just suffered through eight years of the worst president in the history of our country. People were hungry for hope and looked to anyone that sounded semi-intelliigent after the embarrasment our nation had to endure under Bush. That's wasn't really any magic, just a depsondant electorate.
It dissappeared under the weight of inexperience and egotism. Remember, magic is just an illusion.
Mark in Topeka
Campaigning is much easier than governing. Making promises is easy; keeping promises is much harder, because you have to persuade Congress to support you. During President Obama's first 100 days (or so), I was impressed by how well organized his team was in putting forward their program. My personal disappointment in his Administration has been the increase in polarization that has seemed to increase significantly during his Presidency. To some degree, his Admninistration's tactics, combined with the tactics of Democratic congressional leadership, in getting health care reform and financial reform passed, produced the Tea Party movement toward political purity and away from collaboration and compromise.
What happened to the magic of 2008 was the reality of being president. The economy tanking, unemployment, housing dropping off the side of a mountain. All of it came together to create a terrible place to be president. I wish the magic had lasted and all of the promise of Barak Obama would have come to pass, but in this day and age no president will be able to pull the country from it's pit.
Brad, Portland, OR
People voted for Obama in 2008 thinking he would clean up the mess Bush and the Republicans had made of the economy, but 3-1/2 years wasn't enough time to go from Great Depression II to a vibrant, healthy economy again.
Especially with the Republicans in Congress obstructing almost everything Obama wanted to do.
We've had a mediocre recovery, but at least we're recovering. We're going in the right direction.
Most people don't follow the news closely enough to understand what happened, and if they vote for Romney in the hopes of turning around the economy, they're going to be even more disappointed when Romney doesn't solve all the problems within a year or two.
As a matter of fact, if Romney goes back to the economic plans of the Bush administration, like he said he would, expect the economy to get far worse under Romney.
Miguel Morris-Austin, Texas
This was an easy question to answer. All talk and very little action. But to hear the President and his staff elaborate. Let us see what they missed. High gas prices, reduction in drilling, Housing market at a low mark, Jobs-too little, too late, World affairs passing us by, spending too much money on failing companies, giving money to our future enemies and those that will never be our friends. Think this is about got to the gist of your question. Next easy question.
Pete in Georgia
Magic is a good word.
Interpretation: Smoke and Mirrors.
Obama, from day one of announcing his candidancy for President was and is a FRAUD. A neighborhood organizer who convinced just enough of a nation of gullible idealists who were tired of the Iraq war to vote, with Blind Allegiance, for hope and change. It doesn't take too long for people to wake up and realize an "empty suit" with zero real life qualifications has almost ruined a once great country. It's now time for Back to Reality.
Thank God for November 2012.
calaurore9
He desperately needs to surround himself with a new team of advisors. This crew doesn't get it. Emails from Anna Wintour and Sarah Jessica Parker inviting me to dinner don't cut it this time around. It's offensive, inappropriate, tacky. Stay in the White House, focus on the global meltdown that is on our doorstep. Leadership not fundraising. Now!
Carol in Northampton MA
Brando, OH
No, he can't. He cut corners, didn't pay his political dues. DC doesn't owe him anything. No, he can't. 🙂
Mike in Minneapolis
Congress.
Loren, Chicago
Reality will out. President Obama is a product of the Chicago Machine. While "Machines" have fallen out of favor with the press as a descriptive for political operations, if the press had bothered to consider it when he was running for election, then the current malaise could have been predicted. The Chicago Machine is good on "circuses and bread", but poor on actual governing. President Obama has shown himself to good at the grand gesture (Health Care Reform), but poor on governing (Health Care Reform, implementaiton of Dodd-Frank). But then this should also be expected of someone from the Saul Alinsky school, it's easier to criticize than to do, and leftists have never really done a good job of governing, the harsh reality of balancing social programs and their costs against business needs that keeps the economy going have been beyond their abilities, just as the President has shown.
Phyllis G. Williams
Magic is performed by magic (5 loaves, 2 fishes, feed 5,000 ; Matthew 14: 17, 21).
Human effort can only try to improve an impossible situation.
Michael Mathers
What happened? NDAA...indefinite detention of american citizens happened,the Patriot Act extension happened, 30,000 drones getting ready to hit US airspace happened, the anti-protest people happened, the secret kill list happened, more war happened, FDA headed by former head of Monsanto happened, an administration run by Wall Street happened. Next question. San Luis Obispo, CA
Peg in NY
The magic fizzled fast, like a Fizzy that is past it's experation date. Why? The Republicans have worked too hard to stop him at every turn. If bipartisanism was still alive and well, we the people might just stand a chance. Neither candidate will set the world on fire. Politicians need to work just as hard as the President to end the stalemate in Washington. A bad example is being set, as no real work is getting done. Who can get excited as jobs and the economy continue to fail?
Mycroft Lake Travis Texas
Well Jack , As I remember, I was became involved with Obama Campaign, after my favorite candidate Dennis Kucinich withdrew from the race. I eventually became bit more enthusiastic about the candidate Obama after listening to his speeches on the campaign trail. His campaign promise of 'Ending Scooter Libby Justice', which he stated he would do at every campaign stop met with overwhelming support from the crowds. I, like so many people that had to endure the lies and crimes committed by the Bush Administration, felt we had a candidate that understood the urgency to address these white collar crimes, before these criminals were able to murder, maim, and torture more innocent people for their greedy gains or hidden agendas. I believe now that President Obama would have made good on that campaign promise he wouldn't have lost the majority control of the Congress, loss seats in the Senate and in general would breeze through being a elected for a second term, because so many right wingers would denounce their support of the Republican Party hanging their heads in shame for the evil deeds that the Bush Administration committed. Some of the magic that President Obama brought to the country in 08 still exists, because I will never forget the optimistic view shared by my fellow Obama supporters ; White, Black, Hispanic, Indian, Women ,Men, Young and Old, that after the horrific Bush years, there was hope for our country again. Now it seems we are only going settle for the magic of keeping Republicans from stealing another election and it will be hard because those White Collar Criminals are still out there on the loose, ready to take all they can get without regard for future generations. I can only hope USA voters have wised up since 2010, I don't think our country can endure another Republican in the Presidency. Bush did to the Republicans , what Hitler did to Nazis. There is no excuse for the murder,maiming and torture of millions innocent people and currently the republicans are still riding the hate train, no shame what so ever ! They have got a lot to learn. It will be magic , if they ever do.
What happened to the magic? Well, let's see. It's hard to see the magic when you're watching the President as he has to clean up the mess left by his predecessor. Nothing very magical about mopping up. It's hard to perform magic when your own Party doesn't back up the very planks in your platform that they were applauding. The Presidency is not a game of illusion - it's hard work, and he was left with a failing economy caused by greedy politicians who allowed the deregulation of banks under Bush.. He needed the help of his own Party and they failed him. He needed the acknowledgement that Bush left him with a terrible burden - he needed someone to have his back. If there's magic here, it's that the poor guy survived at all.
Gary in San Jose, California
That magic met reality and we're all a little more skeptical now. They want us to believe that all our problems will be solved by lower taxes and spending cuts or tax the rich and spend to stimulate. Yeah right. I don't know about you, Jack, but I don't believe a thing any politician says anymore. They seem to be able to say whatever they need to say in order to keep the donations and votes coming in so they can get elected. We need to change and I don't think we can count on our elected officials to do it on their own.
Kevin in CA
"Just say no" hit the Congressional Republican lexicon.
lardoggy
I voted for him thinking it he would be a new peoples politician,transparency,work together,bring down the debt,guess what,it did not happen,all I see is more lies and 15 trillion debt.When will the maddest end?
I thought of two more words but you're not supposed to say them on TV.
Mike in Savannah, GA (again)
There is a difference between "Well Done" and "Well Said"; He lacked execution–next!
Richard Oak Harbor, Wa
Two months before the 2008 election Barack Obama was notified that there was an urgent financial crisis brewing and President Bush began furiously giving away taxpayer bailout money to those who Republicans usually represent. It was quite a surprise as Presidential GOP opponent John McCain announced that he knew nothing about economic matters while Barack Obama had already made campain speeches and promises which urged change and equality though the GOP had Obama's agenda doomed from the start. Republicans seem to work an ongoing strategy of creating crises that they say only they can fix. Romney can't do anything for America that Barak Obama isn't already doing..
The "magic" from four years ago was simply the fact that he's a good speaker and that's pretty much all people knew about him. Now, four years later, people realize what's inside the package and don't just see the fancy wrapping paper – and now know they want nothing to do with it.
Mr. Obama is not playing the game right now. He's governing with conviction and purpose. However, very soon it's game on and we'll see the Campaigner in Chief with even more vigor than before. This is not a joke...this is world history in the balance and Mr. Obama takes it very seriously, as serious as it gets folks so appreciate him while you have him—a real President of the United States of America for the books.
I believe there is more division in America today then at any time I can remember. A President who promised to bring us together cannot do that when he seems to always have to create a villian to get his point across. The economy is all about Bush, healthcare was all about those bad insurance companies, medical devise companies and drug companies, the upper 1% cheated their way to success on the backs of everyone else, etc. I guess I just expected more.
Obama's magic vaporized with his ability and willingness to tell the truth. The man is a very professional speaker and liar.
Jack: They say an idea can turn into dust or magic depending upon the talent it brushes against. It would look like the President brushed against Congress--and what was once conceived as "magic," has now turned to dust!
We the people want everything now. We, as a nation, have no patience nor understanding of the economics of a near disaster that we have hopfully avoided. I had no dilusions that President Obama was the end all, just the best choice that we had then and now. I voted for a president not a decider (dictator).
Jack, the problem was that Obama was not really performing magic in 2008, rather sleight of hand. The messages of hope really never had a footing in reality. It was clear that Obama was looking at a battle on each one of them, and equally clear that he was woefully unprepared for such battles. As distasteful as it is to say, Obama is facing stone walls because of his father's race, but the only reason that he won the Democratic nomination in the first place, was that same racial profile. Had Democratic voters simply nominated the best person, instead of the best person of their race who promised a post racial America, it is possible that a much better prepared Hillary Clinton could have stopped the Tea Party juggernaut before it became a cancer.
Jack it does'nt matter who is in office,with all the underhanded things politicans do these days along with the lobbiest's pulling the strings..we're screwed
Bill, Bloomington Il
Hope and Change was fine for the campaign trail. Now there has to be a plan and the president doesnt have one.
Many have come to the realization that we elected an empty suit to the highest office in the land.... or this has been a bad movie "The Invisible Man" or "Honey The President Shrunk" Sallisaw, Oklahoma
It's not Obama's fault that people are silly enough to believe a politician.
optikradio
Obama was the first great shot we had at taking action against climate change. Instead, we get the same sorry excuses we've seen from any other President. Business as usual. It's simply depressing.
What happened to the magic of 2008? I think we all bought into the soaring rhetoric and were expecting Apple or Google creativiety out of the Obama Administration. But we got Windows; and Windows Vista at that.
I'm a Rose
President Obama is still full of Magic. I think 14,000 people at a campaign event is great. He will get my vote in November.
Try getting that many people at a Romeny one, unless they are paid to go and furnished with a bus ride to it.
Our President is a very great guy, intelligent, knows what he is doing, and cares for everyone not just the very wealthy. Romeny only wants to be elected to build up his wealth.
Romeny only cares for himself, not even the people that will vote for him.
Jim in Illinois
It's gone because he has proven to be just another lying, cheating, worthless politician. He has taken the idiocy of George Bush and only made it much worse.
It is plain and simple. He over promised and under delivered. That is a horrible combination when you are trying to pitch to people to save your job whether you are President or the local ditch digger. He also is too busy playing negative political games and begging for money from big money donors to tell us exactly what he plans to do if we give him 4 more years.
Personally, I am tired of BOTH parties. Both have done plenty to get us here. I am voting 3rd party. I refuse to pick the better of two evils. Aren't you tired of that too Jack?
Freddie Bear
Rhetoric without substance can only produce false hopes and is believed by those who do not study the politician.
Alimay
It just happened that there are too many problems right now in the world that he has to work on – A recalcitrant Republican Congressmen, ECONOMY in USA, Economic ruins in EUROPE, Wall street gamblers, Syria, North Koria, Al qieda, TALIBAN, Afganistan, Education in US and a SCOTUS trying to overturn a healthcare law passed by an elected Congress but most of all trying to correct the lies of the extreme right.
Overby
His 'magic' is down in the gutter where all his promises are. You'd think he'd be too embarassed to go out in public....
KCRick
Where has the media been? This has been going on for over 3 years. The stimilus, the pay-off to the unions, green lobyy, etc....Remember the Reagan economy (just as deep if not worse recession with over 10% unemployment) was cruising along at 6% annual GDP growth by the 3rd year after his election. By then all of the jobs lost from the recession were recovered and new jobs were be adding monthly at a record pace. Obama can barely get 2% with no job growth.
Bill in CA
People are easily fooled...
aalisa31
Jack, I don't think that Obama has lost his magic.... I think people have gotten sick of the deadlocks and partsianship... it has worn me down an alot of other American's .. right now peopel are losing hope, feeling depressed and left out.... no one wants Mitt because if Obama was doing such a bad job, Mitt would be way up in the polls... people want to see some backbone from Obama and if Obama doesn't show that he has the backbone to stand up and truly fight for whats right, people may still like him ... but will lose faith in him....
Ray in Knoxville
Reality set in, Jack. Republicans who didn't care about government spending as long as they were doing the spending woke up to find Democrats now in charge of spending. Democrats, who were looking for a complete swing to the left, found out they had elected a centrist. Independents see business as usual, with the right sniping at the right and vice versa. Nothing to see here, folks, just business as usual.
Karl in Flint, MI
Mitch McConnell said, "Our single most important thing is to make President Obama a one term president". What else is there to say? The POTUS is not a king and he can't do anything the Congress is dead set against. Executive orders on;y go so far. The GOP's in congress are dead set against anything that the president wants to do for the American people, even those things they sponsored in the past. The president can't sore like an eagle when he has to work with bunch of devious turkeys.
Dan Sheaf
First, he could no longer vote, "Present" so he has a record. Second, instead of the great speeches of unifying both parties, he vilifies any opposition, and America needs to see all sides, and voice differences.
Frank Poynton from Los Angeles
It has taken a back seat to the Republican form of magic, the intention of which is to once again pull the wool over our eyes. President Obama's intention in 2008 was to open our eyes to the possibilities of a better future for our Nation in spite of all our difficulties, divisions, and troubles, etc, etc. Our eyes were opened and we found out just how ugly it is out there. It is a direct result of transparency. The mere mention of the word transparency sends shivers down the spine of Republicans and in turn they blame all the ugliness on Obama without taking any responsibility what so ever for themselves, or their actions. How magical is that?
Obama tried to close Gitmo but the Dem.-led congress wouldn't let him. He never promised to end the war on Afgfhanistan-he promised to end the war in Iraq and FOCUS on Afghanistan. And I'm pretty sure Wall St. thinks he HAS been pretty tough on them. People forget that Obama told them it would take years of hard work to accomplish all he wanted to-and he's done a great job so far with a GOP who met on Jan. 20th '09 to plot to stop him from getting reelected.
nyclposter
Come November we will have this choice: 1-Vote for a self made business and family man who has worked in the private sector and has a track record we can all point to. OR 2-Vote for the community organizer for another term and get another 4 years of lies, 5 trillion dollar deficits, more divisive language, 4 more years of Holder partnering with Mexico suing states for supporting immigration laws, back room deals, hidden documents, racist pastors.....it goes on and on. Wake up America. We will not survive another 4 years of this clueless administration.
Frank in Ohio
I believe the magic you are referring to is Obama's ability to win an election? If so, the media must suppress this so-called "magic" in order to keep the race tight. Whoever wins, will have the "magic" November 5th...
JC in SC
I know it's time to give Obama responsibility for the current economic situation. Blah, blah, blah. But the fact that even Obama cannot fix in four years "the mess that George Bush made" in eight years, speaks volumes about how extensive "the mess is that George Bush made". Look. Bush really messed us up. And for us to believe four years is adequate to bring us back up and out of that abyss, is naive. However, we are a society of instant gratification. Bye, bye magic.
I think Jack, that most of what Obama said and stood for was a kind of positive rhetoric since most of it never came to light and this is what has disillusioned most of his base and his magic. I for one have no faith whatsoever in our political system anymore. It has become a corrupted greed motivated Corporate entity that does not support THE PEOPLE at all!
Jack, America is waking up. What was a slick "ad" campaign has been stripped back and the man behind the curtain turns out to be nothing but a speech-reader. Americans are smarter than he ever gave them credit for. We will not allow the President to continue to divide us.
After three years of listening to Obama's baloney, people have caught on. They're no better off than are the constituency he represented in Chicago. Listening to him is like listening to a revivalist. Lots of promises, but no delivery until after you're dead.
Linda (Naperville, IL)
Nothing about Obama has changed. He is the same unqualified person that he was in 2008. What has changed is that many of the people who were unable or unwilling to evaluate him objectively on the basis of his record and qualifications at that time have finally had their eyes opened and are not as likely to fall for his manipulative rhetoric this time around.
Marcus - Chicago
The filibuster is what happened. If the Republican Senate had let Obama pass his proposals to fix the economy and the economy still got worse, then I could honestly say had poorly executed ideas for this country. But, thanks to the Senate, we'll never really know how things would have turned out.
gary kennett
The magic was based on a big pack of lies.
Sure he did get some things done, but go back and watch your own footage and start counting promises not kept, and even worse those where he did the exact opposite of what "you could take to the bank"
Mitt's not the answer either, a sneeze could change his direction.
Guess you will have to find someone who is consistence, and dose what he says he'll do, the right thing not the popular thing.
What happened to the magic? It was undermined by the relentless sabotage and obstructionism of the Republican party. And whittled away by the endless lies and smears of the extreme right wing bigots. Obama's biggest fault is that he tried to be bipartisan and seek consensus. He should have used his mandate to shove his agenda down the Republicans' throats while he still had the chance. He would have gotten more done and the country would be in better shape for it.
Mike H
He's trying to play things too safe. He should make some bold pronouncements (eg. slash defence spending, take on the gun lobby, universal health care) to get people excited.
Why is our country incapable of putting up the "best" America has to offer for president? Instead we are fed the same old menue of 2 dimensional candidates election after election. It's no wonder that after four years of electing these candidates we find ourselves more frustrated and concerned about our future and the future of our children.
that is what it was...an illusion, fake, a trick....he fooled many!
joe/Bend Oregon
He did not deal with the banks and distressed homeowners. He is still in afghanistan.
More of the same. Just a global oligarchy with the banks and their politicians running the soulless show. I like him ok but he should make banks be banks, get us out of foreign wars and really stand up for middle american. Too much catering to the fringe and the investment banks. I may vote for him again but am very disappointed. Wish we had Richard Nixon back.
MikeWonder84
Therein lies the dilemma for most us .all of that hope and change fairy dust is gone .. there is no grassroots movement anymore . those were people disullisioned with the entire political process , people that saw a chance at , well , change. . so yea we are disappointed . where is the campaign finance reform ? cant do that when youre buddying up with SuperPACs .. where is the crackdown on the people behind the crashing of our economy ? theyre hiring all of them .. what happened to people getting together and JUST SOLVING PROBLEMS ? the President is on the teletube fighting it out with Congress .. so no . its not like it was four years ago , not even close .. we are more cynical than ever ..nevertheless Mitt Romney is not an option . Obama has done some good with the economy , considering the circumstances , as much as most hate to admit for some reason..could he be doing a better job ? absolutely . but .eh . what are ya gonna do
Jack, you and the rest of the media kill his magic when you give equal time and importance to people like Donald Trump. The only change I've seen is the media trying to show Romney being closer in the race than he really is, just to make a more interesting story. You should report on the good Obama has done, and the blatant, treasonous obstructionism of the Tea Party Republicans who try to stop anything positive he tries to do. When is the media going to call it what it is?
Lol, "where did the magic go?" Easy. Reality set in and the rest of the country soon realized he was a charlatan that he's always been. I find it laughably ironic that there is now a ground-swell of liberal voters who openly regret voting for him.
Gurgyl
Nothing happened. Obama wins. Bain capital shipping jobs to china, India people know....let Detroit go bankrupt, corporations are also people, my friend. Don't people know?????
Truth Squad
2+2 still equal 4 Jack, no matter how much you all at CNN or any of the other liberal outlets try to spin it.
Democrats had Congress for 4 years, 2 under Bush – which for some reason you all in the media NEVER seem to talk about. Did Dems in Congrress pass all of Bush's ideas, bills, concerns? I think it was the other way around.
Obama had 2 yeas with a fillbusterproof congress and you all in the media STILL tried to blame Republicans.
When Olympia Snow says Obama is impossible to work with, you've got a perception problem. again, despite your propaganda to the contrary that Obama is some sort of bridge builder.
wayne, va beach, va
What happened, Jack, is the saying "you can fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time" rang true.
John Boehner killed Obama's "Yes we can" with "No we can't".
David from Cape Cod
The republicans speak of bipartisanship, but when he reached out to them, they turned away. They said they wanted him to be a one term president and that is their priority – not the country. So, he looks bad. Besides, how many presidents ever look stellar – they make mistakes.
The magic is gone, since he forgot about the middle class and elderly. The only ones that have benefited are the usual suspects, big business and banks.
He is still a magician, he makes money disappear with nothing to show for it.
Greg RAfijah
Mr Obama wasted all of his political capital on the health care reform act. If he had let that item off of the agenda, his "magic" could have been used to secure other political wins that would have continued the magic and may have grown it. Now, the affordable care act is in limbo and if it fails the Supreme Court, then he really will have wasted any political capital to have been gained by such a risky legislative move.
Jackie from Minnesota
I'm still on the Obama bandwagon but those that aren't were pushed off by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and all of the tea party house....their only priority is making Barack Obama a one term president.....what a way to run a country.....voters....is this what you want from your elected officials???
Angela Wright- Worcester, MA
In one word "Reality" Four years ago I knew (having been a student of the constitution and limited govt. for years ) that Obama would pursue a war on capitalism and demonize small business…that he'd support unions over the private sector and that he'd overwhelm the economy with spending and debt.
College graduates without jobs, black Christians who oppose same sex marriage, Catholics, Jews, small business owners, military are all disillusioned with his failed policies and will not vote for him this time around. I predict a Romney landslide. (Remember Reagan was trailing Carter 9 points at this point in time and beat him in a landslide.)
Mike Nacrelli
Expectations in 2008 were unrealistic, and now because of the American Short Attention Span Syndrome, they are disappointed that Pres. Obama did not walk on water. Too many Moderates and Liberals do not want to "Hang together, so I guess we'll hang separately". Benjamin Franklin
Paul From Round Rock, Texas
The wand got very heavy and hard to wave when today it seems impossible to come to a compromize on anything. The magic is there it just needs a crane to lift up the wand and wave.
people were brainwashed in 2008 thinking this guy would be a better presifdent then the past meaning president bush but he is worse than bush at least bush did not pass a 270 page health care bill without reading it or lettign us know what is in it he's out in nov
Most of that "magic" was slick marketing from the mainstream media. With the Democrats holding majorities in the House and Senate, President Obama had a blank check and a rare political opportunity. In the hands of a more qualified individual this would have guaranteed him a second term.
What we got was an unpopular healthcare bill, a mismanaged effort to save GM and Chrysler and childish fights of the debt ceiling. Leaders overcome those kinds of problems, President Obama just points the finger and blames someone else.
nolimits3333
George W. Bush inherited a strong economy, a budget surplus, and a nation at peace.
Eight years later, he left Obama with a shattered economy, a trillion dollar deficit, and two useless wars.
Obama saved the country from another Great Depression, rebuilt GM, reformed healthcare, reformed Wall Street, doubled the stock market, created 10 straight quarters of GDP growth, created 27 straight months of private sector job growth, got Bin Laden, got Gaddafi, and got us out of Iraq.
And now with the automatic spending cuts and the expiration of the Bush tax cuts in 2012, Obama has solved the deficit problem as well.
Obama has done a very good job.
Malone LaVeigh
The problem with associating yourself with change is that at some point, you will become the Old that the New seek to usurp.
Obama is in a Catch-22 with the average voter: either he has given the Economy his best shot already, or he should be admonished for waiting so long to do so. Few of us realize this is a long-term problem that necessitates a lengthy solution.
Since Romney doesn't offer any explicit, plausible answer to this challenge, what should we be exited about?
Bob in Kansas City
He proposed to do to much too soon and many of us thought he'd be a breath of fresh air after 8 years of republician old guard. He turned out to be just another insider that done deals behind closed doors. Obamacare was where it all started going down hill, "vote to see what's in it', isn't how you get folks behind your agenda.
Thomas Knox
What happened to the magic? - It's the difference between fantasy and reality. Simple as that.
It wasn't really magic, Jack. It's just that the Republicans hadn't had a chance to put their filth and hate all over it yet. Now they have.
Easy – This is what happend...He has been a terrible President. He was not a good candidate in 2008. He hoodwinked the masses by making empty promises in the form of good utopian speaches. The people elected the idea of him, and when they got the reality – they have realized they were taken for a ride...
JCal
Four years ago we had countless messages of hope, change, and "yes, we can!" Now, 3 1/2 years into the Obama presidency we see quite a different picture. Obama doesn't seem to fit into any political label, but rather changes as he goes. He is clearly campaigning more than governing at times. His statement to undermine the authority of the judiciary when the health care law was argued before the Supreme Court showed ignorance and arrogance. His economic views are dividing the country and focusing people's obsession on how much others earn. It's just not productive.
The magic was a clever illusion.
Mrs. Hillman
I support the President... and I will vote for him in this election. I think the magic is gone to the place where the rubber meets the road, and that is the place where the Republicans will NOT support any initiatives put forth by the President. How can we ever expect the President to have any success with the ideas that he had 4 years ago when there is NO support given to him by Congress. How is he ever to succeed when he faces obstacles at almost every turn. So to my fellow liberals... get off your butts and STOP blaming the President for the stuff that he cannot control. Yes he has had some missteps along the way that were not due to Congressional hindrance. He's not perfect but I do believe he has the best interest of the working man/woman at heart. So let's get out there and encourage our fellow Democrats to hit the campaign trail and get our President for more years to get done the things that will help this country. I had his back in 2008 and STILL have his back in 2012!
You used the "magic" word...magic. Magic is simply an illusion, and the media was partially responsible for helping to build the hype. While I'm still an Obama supporter, I have to admit that I'm nowhere as hopeful that he, or Mitt Romney, will be able to move the needle very much concerning the pressing issues facing the country...we're just too divided as a nation, and I don't think anyone can bring us together again. Every time one party has control over both houses of Congress, they take it as a mandate and things swing wildly in that direction, only to be overturned in the next election. Americans are spoiled and want it all...high employment, low taxes, big houses, multiple cars in the garage, and all the other trappings. Obama promised way too much his first time around, and I think that this time, he's had to ratchet things back, and as a result, his campaign is sounding lackluster and dull. But, that's the cost of reality in politics. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice...shame on me.
Truthteller
Obama had no record to run on in 2008. This year, the results of the economic destruction that his policies have caused are there for all to see. However, he won't need much magic when nearly half the voters are dependent in some way on government assistance, and only about half pay any federal taxes. As inept as Obama has been, he still may be reelected by an increasingly inert and dependent electorate.
Its still there. The problem is , he is not in full campaign mode yet. We have 5 months left and if he starts to soon it will be redundant when it comes to October . As if it is spewing the same old stuff. You know how pragmatic he is and this is no different. Also he is smarter and wiser now and realizes that he cannot "change" our country on his own. He is needs the REP and they will never give him credit
They were all lies that were told with the intent of getting Obama elected. The thing about lies is that once they are recognized, we the public will no longer believe in anything to do with the person who told them. I don't think the blame bush card will get any sympathy from voters this time around either,
Marie from Batavia NY
This is what happened: You can fool all the people some of the time...OR you can fool some of the people all the time....But...
like all magic 'it was slight of hand' and the 'king has no clothes'.........rhetoric will only get you so far.... of course this will be moderated as usual...so much for open dialogue...
Patrick in Monroe, NC
Jack, he made too many promises that he couldn't keep such as closing Guantanamo Bay. He had to have some place to send the inmates once the facilities closed, but there was no where to send them. The only option was to keep the place open.
He also has been fighting obstructionist Republicans since he took office that have openly stated that their only goal is to make sure that his presidency was deemed a failure. I'm disappointed in Obama, but I still prefer him to the Republican alternative.
He still has his his magic. Look at where we were when he got into office, and now. The point is that folks like you put everything at his feet even when you knew that it will take the entire Congress to work with him, so now you are looking for talking points. Sure, things could have been a little better, but much better than when he started including national security and more global cooperation.
Roy Norwood
Obama has failed to deliver on his promises and is way further left than most believed him to be. Addtionally he's far more arrogant and narcistic than he appeard to be four years ago. Plus, its clear he is in way over his head.
I believe he can still do magic, but probably he has realized there is no need for it now. He has accomplished a lot and making some big rallies would just seem unnecessary, even odd.
Brian Samuels (Chicago)
It's not just Obama.... It's our whole political system. Obama's base is disgruntled because they are disappointed he has not been able to get anything done. Of course Congress is responsible for stifling the economy by not passing Obama's legislation. Because they want Obama to be a one term President.
Chris Matthews, Kansas City
It's the simple fact that President Obama overpromised in 2008 and underdelivered during his first term. High flying rhetoric can get you elected to office, but can it get you REelected when you come up short on so many promises?
Abracatastrophe
Obama never had any magic Jack, it was all smoke and mirrors, an illusion created by the liberal media. The public has seen through the smoke, and they know all about the mirrors, they are not buying the Obama illusion anymore. And no amount of media puffery is going to bring that magic back. That why the old medicine shows were done from wagons, so they could head out before the audience caught on. It's time to hitch up the horses.
thesuppressed
Where has the media been? This has been going on for over 3 years. The stimilus, the pay-off to the unions, green lobby, etc....Remember the Reagan economy (just as deep if not worse recession with over 10% unemployment) was cruising along at 6% annual GDP growth by the 3rd year after his election. By then all of the jobs lost from the recession were recovered and new jobs were be adding monthly at a record pace. Obama can barely get 2% with no job growth.
Dr. Garry
You mean that soundbites written by a committee and read on a teleprompter aren't the same as efective policies and activities over a long period of time? Who'd a thunk it?
Claude Harvey
Watching President Obama speak is like watching a "one trick pony" for the 100th time. What once seemed fresh and new now bores folks to tears. But the pony never understands.
what magic, it was just glitz. besides jack you thought he was the end all beat all 4 years ago. you were giving his praise and downing hillary. now you are asking where's the magic? oh please............
Four years of obstructionistic Republicans is where the "magic" went. Obama has not been able to make good on some of his promises because he is blocked at every turn. Still, Bin Laden was captured on Obama's watch and that has to count for something.
You can only elect the first Black President ONCE. Now we have to RE-elect him once. Some people don't realize how hard it was for Obama to get things done with a bunch of Republican congressmen who met on Obama's inauguration night to figure out a way to stop him from getting anything done.
TomJr.
Entitlements are killing us, so Obama added another one. He piled $5 Trillion onto the mountain of debt we owe and if he is re-elected he will add another $5 Trillion. Budgeting is a foreign term to this administration, but why budget if you can borrow. Future generations will look back at us and wonder how we could have let this happen to them. Debt is killing Europe, it is killing us, and it is killing the Obama magic.
North Ogden, Utah
Steve in CT
He over promised, I thought he would get elected president when he won the senate seat. I saw one acceptance speech and knew he would be president. But he promised change in four years which couldn't happen in twelve years. America put him on a pedestal and Americans love knocking people off as well.
We did not realize what an incompetent person he would be as president. Now that we have seen what he is capable of (or should I say incapable), we know that he is way over his head. We should now say to him thanks but no thanks...we do not need your services anymore.
Again, where did he say he was going to close the war in Afghanistan? Just in case you forgot, it take an Act of Congress to close GITMO. Unlike Mitt he can pack 4000 folks and not 45 with a side view. You are actign like he is the only incumbant to loose some of the sparks. it must be a slow day Cafferty....Also, when does Forbes speaks for Democrats. Please ask Wolf for a better topic.....Still love you....
David, in hot and sunny Tampa
Like Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny?? Magic is slight of hand, misdirection, smoke and mirrors, and illusory. It has taken thirty years for me to catch on and discover the secrets of the tricks. I no longer am in awe of the deception. Every election cycle one of the characters promises change or I'll make your life better and every election cycle I keep waiting for that to happen and all I get is the same old shill game. Nothing changes and life doesn't get better for the vast majority of people in this country. So when Obama came along with Change We Can Believe In, I couldn't buy it, wouldn't buy it and I'm still waiting. Whatever snake oil he or Romney will be trying to sell this time around will fall on deaf ears. The only Change I can believe in will happen when we get rid of the Democrats and Republicans and try something else.
the Republicans made it immposible for him to do anything did you honestly think the first Black President would have an easy go of it ?
Iain Tyndal
I think the problem is people have to high expectations. We all want instant gratification. It took President Bush 8 years to tank the economy. Actually it would take several tanks to contain the mess he left this country in. We need to stand back and see what President Obama has accomplished. His funding saved the banking, insurance and car industries. He has got us out of Iraq and is heading to putting Afghanistan behind us. He has picked of several gterrorist leaders including you know who. He has forced NATO to take on much more of a comittment in conflicts. The Dow has sgteadily increased during his term. Okay, okay, it isn't looking so good this week but it will recover. Then take unemployment – that is up to the private market to reduce and I don't think he has done anything to discourage growth. We won't see a significant change in unemploymet until the housing market recovers, and there is signs of that happening down here in Atlanta right now. so let's be realistic and give things a chance. Are we really going to put a Republican back in the White house after four years when it was a Republican President that created the deficit and many of the other problems that Mr Obama is diligently trying to fix.
The President didn't listen to Americans, but followed his own agenda. In the end, Americans want someone who represents what most Americans see as the critical issues of the day. While nearly all Americans want healhcare coverage for all, they do not want it at the expense of all, and for something worse than what they already have! A government 'fix" is not always the answer. This was the President's glaring moment of blindness. He talks a good talk, but does not exhibit the traits of the strong leader.
In 2008 we were projecting onto Obama all the cures for what ails us. After four years of nay sayers in Congress and a faltering global economy, perhaps we have awakened to the fact that Obama is no prince charming ready to carry us off to Happy Ever After Land. Americans need to stop living in a fantasyland and wake up to the fact that it will take all of us working together to solve our nation's problems.
Trouble is that to get real real change the long time political leaders such as Pelosi and Reid needed to step aside. Too much power based on seniority within congress, faces need to change at the top bringing new ideas and inspiration to others.
Jim from Doylestown, PA
"Under promise and over deliver" , "Pick your battles", and "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is". Pick your axiom, candicate Barack Obama violated all three. President Barack Obama is now dealing with a fourth axiom: "Your chickens come home to roost"
Eugene in KY
The magic was based on two things: First, he used words that no one would disagree with, but that have different meanings to different people. By using such simple words with few details, he was able to sell his brand to America without America ever knowing what it was buying. Second, it's easy to talk, hard to do, and this President has spent 4 years talking and campaigning and done very little actual work. His entire presidency can be distilled down to this: he is a great politician and a lousy leader.
Obama has mastered mediocrity and worst of all a foreign policy (if you can call it that) that defies comprehension. It breaks my heart because I detest what has become of the Republican party from the extreme right, but I cannot vote again for this man!
gabeheilig
Despite his intellect, President Obama fails to realize that the Tribe—We, the People—need to know that our Chieftain and King is willing both to kill and die to protect the Tribe. Politics is ritual combat. yet the President seems unwilling or psychologically unable to fight to the finish. As a result, the Tribe feels unprotected, and he loses his magic for us. Perhaps because he is neither "white" nor "black," he may never had felt the sense of inclusion in a tribe that allows someone to fight unflinchingly for it. Whatever the reason, the President seems hobbled, a Prince but not a King. I have tuned him out, and I wrote an op-ed for him in 2008 and voted for him enthusiastically.
Four years ago this country needed a hero. Someone who could save us from all the fires and dread surrounding us. The night of the election thousands were drawn to a park in Chicago to see and hear the first black President re-pledge his messaqe of Hope and Change. The day after he was sworn into officeRush Limbaugh said he hoped Obama's presidency would fail. Two weeks after his swearling in, the first Tea Bagger chapter was established. A month after he placed his hand on the bible, Mitch McConell swore his primary goal for the next four years was to make Obama a one term President. For four years we've had attack after attack on this Presidents efforts to save the country. Now the country strangles in debt, and despair; and half of Americans are happy as can be – and it's not the people who prayed for Hope and Change. We just don't know how to treat heroes anymore.
lindaglenn
Jack obama never had magic it was all in Americans head!
There are tons of jobs out there, but people don't want them because they are minimum paying jobs and their unemployment pays much better than that. What they need to do is limit unemployment to 6 months and then see how the jobs market changes.
The situation can be spelled: Obamacare.
The general public is unreasonable in its expectations. The President only has a relatively minor control over economic and global events. One can not "snap" ones fingers and solve all the worlds issues. Like it or not, many policies and events proced at their own pace irregardless of "who" is President.
He made a lot of promises in the last campaign that he either has not kept or has flagrantly done just the opposite. Specifically he promised to re-write NAFTA and to pass no more free trade deals. Instead he pushed for three more free trade deals and is now pushing a fourth, and never has done or to my knowledge even talked any more about re-negotiating NAFTA. Every free trade deal has cost this country good paying jobs and he called the latest free trade deals his job creators. He can no longer claim the high ground on doing whats needed to get our economy back on track. Instead his record shows his true priorites.
Tom from Virginia
Our government was rightly designed to prevent fast change. This prevents any potential dictator from establishing himself as a king. Obama's hope and change message was doomed from the start, and reality has caught up with him.
Jay Gupta
Your vision has blurred...Judging Obama's achievements as POTUS based on one job report is unfair! Still Mr. Obama is the best option that USA has got.
It is amazing that we even still have a President, why with the other branches of government having decided that they will band together to thwart or undermine the efforts of this Prez; I hope that America will actually allow the corrupted and racist element inside our government and in our society make life miserable. I think America needs and deserves a real wake-up call!
philliyboy
big surprise, no results = 1 term
Easy. The magic of four years ago was based on empty rhetoric. He now has to overcome the weight of his decisions and policies. Such ungrounded talking points won't carry that load.
sharath
I woud say it is the magic of the media is gone, which supported Obama with shameless bias. Now finally people realzed what really Obama is capable.
Dave in Knoxville
All the smoke and mirrors disappeared and President Obama was left with the reality that Washington is still run by the the bankers, the Wall Street crowd and the lobbyists with the most money backing them.
America will see the full force of these puppet masters once Romney is elected and responds as the strings attached to him begin to be manipulated.
In response to Cafferty File article:
That "magic" was never really there ... it was all smoke & mirrors, obscuring an inexperienced, inept, through-and-through politician (per the worst definition of the word) who is no leader and no team player, and who intentionally did not disclose his true intentions.
Ted San Diego
The President simply did not live up to expectations. Americans of all political stripes are generally fair-minded and will give someone a chance, but if you don't perform eventually they do express their disappointment and will replace you. It is like that in all walks of life in America. Lot's of opportunity but if you don't get the job done you will be 'asked to leave'.
Tim from Va.
Jack'
Lets get real...there never was any "magic". Just a professional politician doing what they do best. Convincing voters that they are the "Enlightened One" and have all the answers.
The fact of the matter is that one man (or woman) can only do so much in our system of government, and that is the way it is designed. As far as "Change", well people are usually afraid of change, and the Amercan people as a whole are no different.
People had hoped that he would be our saving grace, but alas...he is really just a man trying to improve on a system that is pretty much set in its way I'm afraid. Our next president will be no different.
Norman Grossman
It was most disturbing to witness the enthusiasm bordering on idolatry that was the reaction to the Obama message
of hope, change and yes we can in the last election. I have not voted in the past presidential elections going back to
Eisenhower because the nomination process is a sham that depends on money, show business, ad hominem nastiness to select the nominees of both parties. A choice between Obama (Mickey Mouse) and Romney (Dracula) is without serious meaning. We are now the DisUnited States of America and I won't pick between two losers.
curtis in philadelphia
Nothing much Jack, just a little something called being the President of the United States during the second worst economic crisis in our history, working with a truly obstructionist opposition party who made it their number one goal to make sure the President did not get re-elected, as opposed to doing their job and work for the average American and improve the economy. As I said, nothing much, but thanks for asking.
mick puleo
no magic, jack. just a smooth talking politician who said what people wanted to hear, even though he knew that
delivering on his "pie in the sky" promises were very unlikely. obama sold the sizzle and the majority bought it.
Chalk this up to a Republican win. They have utterly failed at everything except to demonize the President. have they brought jobs back? No, but they've blamed the President for it. Have they fixed the economy? No, but they've blamed the President for it. Have they actually accomplished anything that hey promised 2 years ago? No. But they've blamed the Democrats and the President for it. They swore 4 years ago to make sure this was a one-term Presidency because they were afraid that if he did succeed, they would look dumb even to the sheeple who continue to support them. That's what happened to the Obama magic. And frankly, you in the media are as much to blame for not presenting facts in an ubiased fashion as any other group is. Congratulations.
linda Collins
Mr. Cafferty – Who says the majic is gone? You? Guess what many of us still believe in this president and are happy with what he's done considering the total lack of compromise/respect from the GOP who would have opposed ANYTHING this president offered. If they came up with an idea and OBama embraced it they'd take it off the table just to make this president look bad.
Keep asking these loaded questions Jack. It shows your personal bias, and is intellectually dishonest. His magic hasn't gone anywhere, what has happened is we have been baraged with the racist hate, and republican progress blockade, who don't care about anything other than retaking the presidency.
MaryM
Why dont you ask the HOUSE teapublicans why they wont pass President Obamas Jobs, infrastructure bill. You want to know why the economy is not recovering fast enough, ask the teapublicans that would destroy America just to make President Obama a one term President. And Americans will not forget the HOUSE teapublicans saying "Let America default on its debts"
Gordon Beyerlein
To convert "Hope & Change" into something requires something productive. To abandon legislative leadership to the same old programs of Pelosi and Reid to go out and battle the "Just say no" group is a mutual abandonment of the public interest. There was nothing new to support other than his health program which seems to just be out there as a punching bag without selling the economic merits it may have.
I supported Jon Huntsman and then did the same with Romney until he adopted the "fatwa" on Planned Parenthood.
I remain a Barry Goldwater conservative and not a supported of those who have coopted the title of conservative, which those who continue to advance deficit spending (Bush tax cut in the absence of reduced spending) and promote a theocracy are not.
A pox on both parties as there is no longer a lesser of two evils to vote for.
It's probably because people realize that he is a politician just like all the rest. Maybe some day people will realize that there is very little difference between any politician. They all say what they need to say and do what they need to do to get reelected. That's probably why the world is in such a sorry state!
His "magic" disappeared when people finally realized it was sorcery and not magic. That making things appear to be what they are not, is not necessarily a good thing. We now see we were tricked.... not charmed.
orion7x
If Obama's luster is tarnished, its because the American people are still too full of hate and lack of attention span. The GOP has been destroying America as we know it and sadly the dumber ones wont get it till it bites the in the butt. We will remember who voted for what when the stuff hits the fan and you will not be forgiven when all of your rights are gone. Wake Up!
As expected no ONE person could turn this ship around once the "Bushies" had cast it adrift. The country was "pillaged" by the previous administration and it will take decades to restore. So Jack, what happened, mortals don't produce magic, we all expected way too much.
It's a simple problem. Once Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize, he became more interested in preserving his legacy than taking any risks. He is so obsessed with not making any bad decisions that he is unable to make any good ones. Hence his grand proclamation for gay marriage after all the polls said it was OK to do so. Or being afraid to give an order as Commander in Chief to relocate all prisoners currently at Guantanamo Bay. He acts like a second term president 6 months from leaving office, who just wants a smooth ride the rest of the way.
Mack from Michigan
The president stopped this economy from falling into a depression and the republicans have savaged him like a meatball in a pirhana pond. The president got a health care reform bill passed as he campaigned he would, but the republicans gutted it for their lobbyist masters. The president said he would get us out of Iraq during the campaign. The republicans have castigated him for weakening our security. The president has followed thru on what he campaigned on and was elected to do. The republicans would rather destroy this economy,deny health care for all but the richest few, or rile up another war in Iran than let Obama have any successes and sit in "their" white house for another term.
Bob Tilley
He never had any magic just like the emperor never had any new clothes. This President keeps extending a hand across the aisle only to have it bitten time and time again. What's the meaning of insanity again? Plus some of his policies have left a sour taste in the mouth of the left leaning baby boomers and he's completely lost the youth vote.
President Obama's magic was destroyed by the ignorance and vitriolic poision of the Tea Party. These nutcases have made the words "compromise" and "balance" to be seen as dirty words by the uneducated and ill informed of the electorate. In the process, they have caused enormous damage to the United States, including the loss of the country's prized AAA credit rating. What comes around goes around and the GOP will one day pay a huge price for their lack of judgment and restraint.
The magic was mostly only in hopeful and somewhat naive young minds. The reality is that no one could do all the things Obama promised in order to get elected; hence the frustration and disillusionment. I voted for McCain, but I'd still hate to see a lot of young voters turned off to the system, as flawed as it is. It's still the best plicitical system in the world.
Paula from Weatherford, Texas
I was 49 year old female supporter of Hillary Clinton (and one of her delegates) back in 2008. I was told to shut up or get lost by college students for Barak Obama. I already knew what we were headed for back in 2008; but I dutifully got in line and voted for Obama. I still have newspaper articles on how Mrs. Clinton was treated & no one cared! I wonder what those college kids think now. It doesn't help to say "I told you so". Now democrats are having "buyers remorse"...its too late folks. (how sad...and how the mighty have fallen). I will NOT be voting in this year's election.
"How the mighty have fallen" – Are you Democrats and others who voted for him crazy! You voted in the most inexperienced president into probably the most important job in the world. The man has tried his best but what did you expect? Would you want someone with little business/leadership experience to run the company you work for? Probably no.
shannon g
Just like any love affair, nothing stays the same, but that doesn't mean the love is not there. Thanks to the GOP, it reminds us everyday, that they don't have no love for us, nor this Country.
Jennifer M in Winnipeg
It's no surprise that Mr. Obama couldn't accomplish all that he said he'd like to four years ago. Every time he tried to do something the Republicans would cut him off at the pass. They didn't care if it was for the good of the Country or it's people ... they just said no because they don't like Mr. Obama. Do I really have to spell it out for you why they don't like him? For God's sake give him his second term ... he's earned twice over in my eyes.
David Doherty
You can only pound your head against the wall (congress) for so long before the futility of what you're doing starts to sink in. The presidency has become nothing more than a talking head who announces what the legislative branch has done, or should I say not done.
Dave from NH,
Barbara in NC..
There's only so much one man can do when there are over 400 on the other side saying He!! NO. He gets all the blame for all the jobs bills THEY haven't bothered to pass.
Some call it magic...others call it "Bull". Either way, his inexperience at running anything has shown, particluarly when it comes to being a leader and working across the aisle.
1grasshopper
His dance with the devil sealed his fate.
the_dude
If Obama had done anything, anything at all to help the middle-class American we wouldn't even be having this discussion right now.
Simple..... The end result of Hope & Change SUCKS!
JT from Columbia, SC
Pretty simple: not only did he not fulfill his promises, I have little to no faith he will try to fulfill them if reelected. Or any other promises.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still voting for him... but it's back to choosing between "the lesser of two evils".
ThinkPositive
Don't you think it is very frustrating for the president too when Republicans in the Congress failed to work with him? All they care about is to see him fail because they made it clear that He will be a one term president". Why are people forgetting that this is a Democratic country where the president cannot do it all by himself; he is handicapped as how he can get polices to work unless members of the congress work for the people and not against the president. There are just people out there who will not see how much they are hurting themselves by their actions when their only objective is to stick it to someone else. The do-nothing "Oh No You Can't" republicans have not tried to help the president accomplish the chagne. It's all politics. It doesn't matter who the president is if he/she is not being supported and no solutions from those that should help him. Even within a family; there will be no progress if there is no cooperation from all in that family. People need to wake up.
Harry Katz
Let's not forget: Obama inherited a complete mess of an economy after he took office. To restructure the economy, which he has been doing pretty well with, he's had to move towards the center, disappointing some let-wingers, and satisfying some right-wingers. By doing this he's lost some left-wing votes and, of course, the Conservative Right still hates him. So the luster may be gone, but he continues to be a warrior, on both domestic and international fronts.
Incapable, soft, afraid, appeasing, perpetually stuck on the fence. The magic of 2008 gave way to the reality of his personality.
It isn't Obama's magic loss (if he ever had any magic) it's that people are seeing that it will not take just a President in the White House with an agenda that favors 98% of Americans, but you also need a Congress who has an agenda that favors 98% of Americans.
Dorothy Utendorf, Columbus, OH
His lack of experience in all phases of governing are at the core of his problem. You can fake your way only so long.
Simple jack, four years later we figured out he was hoping he could rob all the change from our pockets.
David Coyle
He could not live up to his own rhetoric. His promises in the campaign now make him appear as a deceiver, just another typical hackneyed politician. Many fell for the oration, which was hollow. And the lack of experience in an office where experience is essential is now highlighted by this president's ineptitude.
Basically Obama sold the Fairy tale in 2008 and he didnt/coudlnt deliver and that means people will see his term as a failure.
I dont think its a failure, I think the failure was promising so much without understanding how it could actually happen. He has done a lot of great things but hasnt lived up to what he would say he would do
Thats why most politicians (including Romney) are vague about what they are going to do or back off it once they are elected. They know the business of D.C. is not one where promises can be fulfilled. Obama has learned that but it might cost him the election in November
He's still got it and more..........a little early yet. Let's give Romney some time to REALLY get into trouble. Remember that the quiet ones are researching, researching, followed by more researching. Obama will be well prepared. Let's not forget that this Summer may well attract the 99%'ers who will be concentrating on Romney's vulture friends. I think that most will agree that Romney's form of capitalism actually diminishes the TRUE capitalists that created new job opportunities such as Ford, Edison, Bell, etc. Romney's Group would have sent those guy's packing because the payback on their investment was not within a two year cycle. Let us not forget that OBAMA was the man that BEAT the mighty Clinton machine. Romney should be easy pickings when the President has time to give to campaigning .
It's called reality. Once it was realized that voting for Obama wasn't really all that cool and that it was infact harmful to America, the magic was gone. All the college kids in 2008 who now can't find a job (i.e., have grown up) realize that hype is just that and Obama is not good for America.
garygrams
It's pretty simple. He lied, he made promises that vanished and all expect for those that wear blinders, they see past his flowery speech, his constant blaming of everyone else and his incompetence.
Even the cheerleaders at CNN are not jumping as high for team obama.
Bob Nardy
The magic of 2008 was just that- a magic show with no substance. With the magic show of the campaign over we were left with a magician whose last trick was on us- we elected him.
Reality set in, there never was any magic, just hype! Did anyone really believe he was the answer?
Cwhart
Americans are finding out the suit is empty with mediocrity and pathetic amaturism
I have tried so hard to defend him and I'm simply out of gas. I've no positive results with which to fill my tank. I'm simply disappointed because I don't know how I'm going to accept a President Romney...Obama could have been a great president had he chosen to lead and actually take a risk. I guess hope's a delusion, change never happens and well, surely "no we didn't."
Gerry Kelly
The right wingers pulled back the curtain that hid the "magic" workings of politics where members of both parties hammered out deals and reached compromises that allowed things to get done! Now any honest broker on the right who tries to even talk to the other side is exposed and denounced by the tea party and the submissive, fearful moderates among the Republicans.
td in tx
Jack, I believe it was the overall inexperience and even naivete of the President and his team. Great goals and ideals are forced into conflict with the countless number of agendas in dealing with the realities of economies, governments, and religions.
Lou Kornfeind
Jack, as a Republican who voted for President Obama it's not magic that is needed. What he and we all need is a
bi-partisan congress that can see past selfish party goals and look itoward working together to get this country back on track.
Obama was given a lot to deal with in his first term, even a Superhero would not have been able to overcome it.
Five simple words Jack – the Emperor has no clothes.
Because Americans are short sighted, whiners that do not realize what is takes to run a country especially one that was already run in the ground by greed and selfishness. The president has had to pull this load alone, because after the cheering and confetti, he had a job to do but the party goers did not do their jobs! WE continue to spend friviously, live above our means and do not care about the poor and less fortunate! It's our way or no way, no compromise, no workng together as one, liberals and repubilcans! Where has the magic gone? It's still there, we are the ones that have lost it!
Obama never had the magic to being with, People's expectations were blown out of proportion to his actual abilities. Never had much faith in politicians and he is no exception.
aces2jokers
Jack the answer is that the newness of this candidate has worn off. In 2008 most voters had yet to hear of Obama prior to his bid for the White House and he was exciting to watch for most. Now 4 years later he's been out in the public eye everyday and is highly covered. He's no longer the new guy on the block and even though in my opinion he's done a lot of positive things as President for the future of the country, such as finding Osama, due to the nature of politics he couldn't deliver on a lot of his promises. Some of this was caused by the partisanship in Congress and a lot has to do with the fact that the economy has not had the turnaround everyone was hoping for. When people are starving and anxious to work but cannot find the work they need there will always be turmoil.
WR Jones
There was no magic to Obama winning, with the help of late-night comedians and 24 hour news coverage of the aging McCain, Obama played the "age" card to full effect.
Who was going to vote for the decrepit Senator from Arizona when you had the young, vibrant, hope & change candidate that would show the world we could elect a black man with a name sounding like those who we were at war. We were better than the world thought and we would show them... the Nobel Prize was awarded to our President for things he would do, not for what he had done, the world was full of hope for our new man in the White House, yet now we stand here almost four years later and wonder, what happened?!
This time around Obama has no magic, no age card, so he searches for another magic card... race, class, religion, and gender have been played, but to no avail. I think the Democrats trump card of Social Security will be next, that one always plays well, while the system itself goes down in flames it always manages to get a few retirees to panic and throw support to those who'd rather see it crash and burn than find a good solution to fix it.
Yes Jack, the magic is gone, but we can all still hope for change... only this time it's hoping for a change in leadership.
Brian McLean, Prattville, AL
The difference is that in 2008 President Obama was running against President Bush's record. The "magic" of his campaign was luck of timing. There was so much (unjustified) animosity against President Bush that any democratic candidate would have won in 2008. In contrast, in 2012, President Obama must run on his own record which, unfortunately, has demonstrated how shockingly unqualified he has beenfor the office of the President. But in fairness to President Obama, much of the blame must be shared by the rabid left wing fringe partisanship of Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid. By allowing these two exterme idealogues to set the agenda and fail to work with their Republican counterparts, President Obama abdicated his authority as leader but cannot erase his responsibility for the abysmal failure of his first term. By 2012, the American public is learning that just like any stage performer, the "magic" is all illusion.
He still has a magic side of him. The TEA party and people like Mitch McConnell really set out on a mission to do and say anything to defeat him at our expense I might add. We are not just divided because of our diversity but because of egos that are so big that they flourish in creating havoc for others. The next 5 years will be very bloody in our country, just wait and see.
Have to agree with this article. Obama might be the most spineless president in history. You can say what you want about the Bush Cheney ideology, but at least they STOOD for something. What do you stand for Mr. Obama? Trying to be reasonable with your opposition and always trying to take the path of least resistance won't work in the present day. He's just a huge disappointment all around.
If I knew or you knew then we would probably be President
I think expectations were impossibly high. I mean, the Nobel Peace Prize? C'mon. How embarassing (for the Nobel Prize Committee....). He seems to be a well-meaning President, basically middle-of-the-road, trying to accomplish a few things with a less-than-friendly Congress. Though it is little more than good luck, quite a few tyrants have left office (or died) during his tenure. That's something....
Robert W. North Carolina
Electing Barack Obama in 2008 was an inevitably. Years of teaching our children in schools, movies and every other available media that racism was not only wrong but was about as sinful and evil as it gets has caught momentum. I would have happily voted for him had he not been so liberal and socialistic in his political beliefs. The message being to the world was "look at America! We ARE better than the rest. We are NOT RACIST". Now we've been there and done that. Now folks want the economy fixed and Barack Obama was unable to turn the tide like Ronald Reagan did when he was elected. I'd be more comfortable with someone who has at least helped run a state before throwing them into running a country that is in crisis.
Magic is just an illusion. He is like the Wizard in "The Wizard of Oz". Once you look behind the curtain, you realize it was all BS.
He`s not a fighter. He tried to play nice with the Republicans for most of his first term and, as a result, nothing of any significance got done. Everything he did pass was so watered-down and neutered that it won`t accomplish much at all. He should have drawn the line early on. Now it`s too late. The Republicans have been running the show, through filibusters and obstructionism, and somehow, inexplicably, Obama takes all the blame. It`s corruption and special interests that now run the show. Big money wins every time.
Willy in Las Vegas
Liberals got sold a bill of goods with Obama. he's NOT a Liberal. not even CLOSE.
they will probably still vote for the guy because of the alternative BUT most Democrates have HUGE "Buyers Remorse" and wish they had backed Hillary Clinton in 2008.
Well Jack, Obama's fall mirrors CNN's fall. People will only be fooled for so long. The hyper media that ushered in Obama is now paying a price for not being real agents of news. You all hitched your wagon to a falling star.
tkindsm
Magic... I can't wait until Romney makes Obama dissapear.
Ron WPAFB
The dream was in doubt from the very first minute since the GOP took over the House. Let's face some reality Jack. We would be through the recession and moving mountains if the GOP wasn't in control of the House! I mean really, they have dedicated an entire four year term to NOTHING ELSE but "NO" to every good bill put before them by the President and the Democrats! Respected Pollster and Political Scientist Thomas E. Mann is Co Author of It's Worse Than You Think, wrote that as bad as both parties are, the Republicans are hands down the reason we are suffering this unemployment and recession longer than we should have! Strictly Political Partisanship in trying to make the President look bad on the economy when everyone in the US and the World knows exactly what they are doing! How do you trust people like that and how do you keep electing them? It is almost treasonous to continually vote "No" on Jobs when you know people are suffering! And some in the state you represent!
When does the Media finally say, OK, Yeah, It's the GOP who is destroying the Economy for Partisan Politics! When do you report that, Jack? When? And then make a suggestion, Uh, maybe we should not re-elect the Republicans due to their blatant unethical and unacceptable behavior!
"Hope" doesn't mean a thing if you don't have substance to back it up.
He sure didn't "change" anything.
All style, no substance.
glenn form Virginia
You reap what you sow and the ground has been bare for the last four years...to quote Obama "now is the time for change"
He talked the talk. But couldn't walk the walk.
Like any magician, he was all smoke & mirrors!!!
Againstthewind
The Republican Party saw the potential his Administration could have and the chances of a second term, so they tanked his Presidency. They did anything and everything possible to destroy him and his chance at a second term. I have followed politics for decades and I have never seen a President have to withstand the ridiculous assaults on his administration. That I have seen Obama have to deal with. They plotted against hims on the eve of his inauguration. He hadn't even been given the chance to govern yet and they were working on how to get him out. The solution they came up with was just say no to everything. Use that tactic and throw in a little outside support in the way of money to build the Tea Party up so, as the Koch Brothers said behind closed doors, they can do the dirty work. And you won't find many Presidents coming out looking great.
Reagan80
Obama's magic is right here. This is as good as a socialist economy ever gets. These are the good old days! If he stays in office, in a couple of years we'll be looking back on this year with nostalgia.
Obama's anti-business policies were always doomed to fail. His campaign just packaged him in an attractive way that disarmed voters' commonsense.
thomas covenant
He was a fake. An image sold to the american people. What is amusing is that he was a successful Chicago politician and that should have been a warning.
He is and was the single least-qualified person elected president in the modern era. He spent a pile of political capital on health care and left his own Congressional majority hanging out alone at key junctures in the process of passing a bill that no one yet understands and that does NOTHING to change the factors that make health care unaffordable. Couple that with a long, lingering economic downturn and a press that finally is taking the gauze off the lens and you have a guy with some serious problems.
2011 Eyes
Maybe your answer is in the no, no, no and filibustering Republican's mindset, and that has done nothing to clean up the mess they created in the previous administration. Americans want a Congress that can function and a country that will rise above lies, greed and corruption. It's become dangerous to have obstinate people in Congress pretending to care about this country while they're busy letting it combust.
Rube (Louisiana)
When you make idealistic promises and than don't come through, you can't pretend like you never made the promise. Hurt me once, shame on you; hurt me twice, shame on me. His promise to do things different, to do things for the benefit of the economy, to make our lives better during these four years? It is very apparent that he just doesn't know how to be an executive, and that the decisions are to benefit a select few rather than the country as a whole.
The magic went down the drain with all the lies.
David Hendrick
Candidate Obama fed on the frustration of the American people with a campaign that promised to change the way government was conducted and promises to cross party lines to create a government that would resolve the economic crisis, while stopping the wars.
What we got from day one was a President who believed he was a superstar that was anointed by the God's on Mount Olympus and governed like a spoiled brat who didn't work well with others and always blamed his problems on everyone or everything else. The great unifier became the great divider and no one is more shocked with his polling numbers then he is.
Once more we find that the old expression rings true 'If something sounds to go to be true, it probably is.' Or 'Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me'.
Grant from Oklahoma
Public office is where good people with good ideas go to die. Our political system has turned into such a joke, it's no wonder Obama has failed to live up to his hype. On the other hand, his inability to use the bully pulpit effectively could be contributing to his ineffectiveness. On another hand, how much really can a president do during times like this? Everyone knows Congress has all the power. Maybe if Boehner and McConnell pulled their heads out of their conservative dinosaur rear-ends, they could come up with some good ideas. But, as long as they continue to be the party of "no" and the party of "no ideas" and the party of "no creativity," our government will be ineffective.
Obama was put into an executive leadership position. He is not an executive and he is not a leader. He has failed miserably. He won't except responsibility for any of his actions. He probably should be removed from office for incompetence, but the Democrats aren't smart enough to do that. They probably could get Hillary elected! Obama, on the other hand, just might destroy the Democrat Party.
Nancy, Tennessee
President Obama has failed on health care reform, jobs, and peace. If we re-elect him, he will think we like what he did. If we elect a Republican, we will get more of what we hoped Pres. Obama would change. As Sarah Palin said, "how's that hope change thing working for you?" No so well madame, no so well.
KC - Wisconsin
Simple – sabotage. The GOP has made Obama's failure their highest (and perhaps only) priority. Representing the GOP has to be the easiest job in the world – you just keep voting "no" unless it cuts taxes for rich people. Then you get to blame the president for the fact that nothing passes. The Republican problem is that their solutions involve doing the exact same things that got us into this economic mess. Luckily for them, a lot of people aren't paying attention.
He was all wrapping paper but no gift inside the box. Voters got caught in the "celebrity" of him but there was nothing beyod that. America is weaker, more polarized and has more enemies (everyone who challenges or doesn't see eye to eye with this president finds themselves labeled as enemies) than ever. He blames everyone for everything but appears full of himself and so very arrogant. America needed a leader, a strong visionary, someone void of "my party or else". Sadly, we got Barrack Obama.
November cannot come fast enough for this nation so that we can blip Barrack Obama and elect someone else who can do the job, whether that is a Democrat or Republican. Too bad the Democrat Party is putting this horse in the race again. There are many solid, qualified Democrats out there who seem to be living under some sort of oath of allegiance or at best, silence to this man and the zany sounding party leaders.
Steve Ellis
Obama has been far from perfect but consider the alternative. Romney a candidate whose opinions change depending on what the polls tell him or his donors require. Who lies so casually that it is impossible to know what he really believes in. A person who shows no compassion whatsoever for the common citizen and has no understanding of the international field in which Presidents are most likely to excercise their own judgement. Didn't we just try all that with Bush?
Folks would rather dislike than like and people disliked his opponents in 2008 more than they do in 2012. Both Clinton and McCain are very dislikeable to many, giving Obama a lot of strength. And of course there was a lot of interest in electing the first black president.
Evinia Bruce
Reality set in ...everyone thought Obama had a magic wand that he could wave and solve the world's problems with one sweep of his hand ..
a woman up here in Canada was being interviewed on the state of the economy ..and she said ."it will all be better the day Obama is sworn in " ..and i thought ..what a foolish woman !!!..
there were the bluedogs ..and partisan congress .. the Koch brothers and McConnell plotting how to bring Obama down ....
were most of us disappointed ? yes ..but he still the best hope for America .....god forbid the Republicans should ever rise their ugly heads again ..if you want to see what a real disaster looks like ... ..B.C.Canada.
Joe Moulton
There never was any magic. A good public speaker is not necessarily a good leader.
This guy never had the leadership quality many people thought he had.
Its pretty simple, people have finally realized that Obama is just a second rate illusionist. The smoke has cleared and the mirrors have broken and they are seeing him for what he is. An inexperienced guy who is in way over his head.
Michael Bindner, Alexandria VA
Blatant, abject racism from sourthern Republicans and neo-Birchers who are unwilling to compromise at every turn for partisan advantage. It is never easy for a younger President to win the hearts and minds of older people who realize they will never get a turn.
We are seeing the differences between a community organizer and a true executive. As a community organizer and speech giver, it is easy to whip the crowds into a frenzy because they all agree with your point-of-view. We hated Bush and were eager to listen to anyone who promised change, hope and change to be exact. Most of us were fed up with 8 years of conservative leadership by a religious zealot. We wanted and needed change and Obama offered it to us in such eloquent fashion. But, on the job training is difficult and we soon found out that our savior had no real experience. Certainly nothing in his history that would qualify him for President of the US under ordinary circumstances, and these were far from ordinary. He shouldn't have sought out the job and we shouldn't have hired him.
Molly / Los Angeles
"Magic" is a word that has no place in reality. Yes, the president hasn't achieved many things on our wish list; but how can he when he's up against our do-nothing congress? His hands are tied. Give the man a break!
James - St Petersburg FL
Jack, the magic was created by the thought of the Bush Administration leaving the White House.
there was no "Magic" it was all smoke and mirrors. He was the pied piper that lead the voters to hope and change.
and in the end if was all a mirage.
Jane - WI
There never was any Obama "magic". That "magic" was created by a media who was in the tank for the guy, and generally supports any Democrat running. The media was so invested in the story about a 50% black man winning the Presidency, that they really didn't care that he was not qualified for the position.
As Barack Obama himself said just a year or 2 before beginning his campaign, he would not run in 2008 since he felt he needed more experience to do so. Looks like he should have gone with his first instinct....
OK – both candidates are "bland". Romney – obvious reasons. Obama – he's been stuck with a "just say no to everything" congress, and he's had a hard time doing anything.
This election cycle will have more folks staying home than voting.....
Ryan Sims
Back in 2008, Obama was a newcomer. Most of the country was sick of Bush and wanted a new, friendly face in the oval office. It also has a lot to do with Obama being black. Everybody wanted to elect the first African American to office, now it's old news.
Reality happened, Jack. President Obama isn't the political Messiah that America hoped he'd be. The wool was pulled over our eyes. But we don't have to worry about that with Mitt Romney. None of us are that stupid.
Lib-socialists held a majority of all three branches for 2 years. What happened? Lib-Marxist-Fascism always fails the people. Wrong side of history liberals. Again.
David in Seattle
Superheroes, like magic, flash bright only to leave you wondering how they did it. Barak Obama told us exactly what we wanted to hear, exactly when we wanted to hear it. He didn't fool us; we fooled ourselves.
Jack because black people voted for him because he was black. and also they voted and they didnt know what was going on.
The Republicans have SABOTAGED the economy for THEIR political gain – proven by their UNPRECEDENTED number of filibusters and obstructing basically ALL legislation to improve the economy.
"The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president."
-–Sen. Mitch McConnell, January 2009
samrmoore
There is not such thing as magic. When you base anything off something that does not exist, it fails. Hope, change, yes we can; are all ambiguous. Now the bottom has fallen out and all those that based their support on the magic are searching for a new hand hold. That is why my vote was and still is based on what I heard in the statements and speeches, that I still see to this day in action. Case in point ~ March 17th 2008.
Gigi Oregon
I can tell from your Blog you are disappointed in President Obama. But I'm a conservative, older, white headed, etc. woman who will not hold my nose and vote Republican. I'm going to vote for the one who has kept more promises than any President since I can remember. He has tried to do more but the Republican Party openly has stated, time and time again "they'll do anything to make President Obama a one term President". That is a NO NO in my Christian values. I laugh at how many years my denomination has preached against the Mormon faith and I'm waiting to hear from them to vote for Romney (it ain't going to happen). I'm not voting for him because he is a Morman but his character is not up to the honor of being elected "President Of the United States of America". I was one of those who lost a job by dissolving a company in the eighty's and his prideful rhetoric of that. And his answer... He doesn't remember giving the boy a hair cut, says it all for me. An honest person always remembers the shameful things we do and admit when reminded. No matter how hard it is to be reminded, it's one of the Ten Commandments "Thou shalt not lie". If he would lie about childish behavior he would lie about any thing. He got Health care for Massachusetts and now says it's not a good idea. Romney can't be trusted to let his "yes be yes" or "no be no". President Obama has made sleeping in the USA a little safer getting bin Laden, than a party that wants to send our young people of to war in the wrong country and no plan outside of our grandchildren paying for it. I'm ashamed and disgusted at the Republican party and their sitting on their hands for three and half years, letting our people down. NO Thanks Jack, looking forward to casting my first vote for President Obama...I feel the magic more every new day.
Jan - Gibson City, IL
Grover Norquist happened. Also what happened was the triumvirate of McConnell, Boehner, and Cantor – and then the election of 2010 with a new Republican congress who evidently expected to go to Washington, have a high old time, get all the glory, and do absolutely nothing. If the President could have done it himself, he would have. I think he has plenty of dazzle left.
Hugh Colburn
Magic or Reverse Midas Touch?
Brian Pollack
It wasn't magic in the first place. It was Hypnotism.
lady490
Hey! what's this nonsense I hear!!! The magic is still there..very much alive and well. Dowd and others like her just are rubbing the genie long enough!
Please Don't blame President Bush for this!
New Jersey Harry
I voted for Obama but when he took office he refused to prosecute Wall St. and from that moment on he was in treason to his Oath of Office and all the magic went with that. The reason the econmy is not coming back is criminals on Wall St are still in power, and they have been rewarded for their greed and corruption. Not a good message to the newcomers, and for sure Wall St will collapse again.
Too many people sat back waiting for Obama to fix things when they should have been helping. If he has failed it's out fault, not his. When Kennedy was elected he said don't ask what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Obama thought he didn't need to ask.
Dale N.M.
Obama had this upbeat message yes we can, but all those do nothings on Capitol Hill, they were saying know we can't.
The magic was extinguished by the toxic cesspool of a corporate/union-owned Congress ( they've bought off the Democrats and the Republicans ), opposed to everything he stands for that could have made a REAL difference in this country.
Republicans , Republicans, Republicans. It takes two to tangle.
Mike in Michigan
What happened to the magic? It's still there, but you won't see it on any mainstream media outlet. The magic and the passion is still here, but we march to a different beat. We support Ron Paul!
GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!
It was never about "the magic" it's always been about a clear and honest message about America's Future as opposed to an over nostalgic look back. You under estimate the supporters of The President-we are not "koo-aide drinkers"-we are fighters for America's future.
dklucius
the only change we got was for the worse. And the hope is going down the drain. Obama has widened the gap instead of closing it If he were to get back in things would only get even worse.
If the magic is gone, it's not gone to Romney. For all the money he spent during the primary he should be way a head in the pools. In any event magic or no magic Barac is going to win come November. Reason, being a social worker he cares about people.
If Pres. Obama were a dictator, he could be solely blamed for the economy.
But he's NOT - and Republicans have obstructed or voted "NO" on Obama's initiatives to improve the economy.
Republicans even voted against their own bills they sponsored - AFTER Obama supported the bills.
Greg Turman
The democrats owned the whitehouse, the senate and the house of representatives 2009-2010.
The dem majority passed no budget, extended the Bush tax cuts thru 2012 and passed a "midnight" health care bill that 70% of Americans oppose, including the Supreme court.
Furthermore, hope & change can not be deposited into your bank account.
President Obama would have made a much better Miss America.
Gregory Turman
Noonday,Texas
Like all Magicians, when you figure out the trick... the magic is gone. In the case of OBAMA, you know have a record of performance, not simply hope. And that performance has been dismal at best and for the black community, no existent.
Reality. It's easy to make a whole bunch of promises to people who's vote you need to get where you want, but when the time comes to turn promise into action, it's not all that easy – especially in today's toxic political climate in Washington. It's not just Obama who made grand promises and then fell flat – don't forget about the 435 congressmen and 100 senators who work down the street. To keep this from happening in the future, the American public shouldn't listen to politicians!
Renee, Illinois
In 2008 Obama came off as strong, the type who would stand up to Wall Street and the obstructionists in Washington. But as president he wimped out on too many things. I'm still ticked that he didn't fight harder for a public option in healthcare. I will still vote for him but only because the alternative is to vote for a guy who will only fight for big money types. Hillary Clinton, where are you when we need you?!!!
Hey !! What's this I hear! The Obama magic is very much alive and well. Dowd and others like her just aren't rubbing the genie long enough!
GP - Cary, NC
Obama was a charismatic fresh new face who could mesmerize his audience. We longed for Camelot and ate it up.After four years of bickering, there is disdain for public officials – including the President. We are left with a slick Republican and a Democrat who is grasping for the magic.....wouldn't it be great if our choice was between President Clinton and President Reagan (RIP)...at least we would then have some hope.
Tim In Dallas
There is no magic left, we know know who Obama really is and he has a record to go on. We know what he will do and what he wants to do to destroy this country. Remember, he said he wanted to fundamentally transform the USA. Now we know what he meant by that and people dont like what they see. For 2 years at the beginning of his presidency he got everything he wanted, then we had to send the Republicans in to put a stop to it. Thank God we had that option. I hope the Republicans stand at the door with arms locked and say NO to everything the Democrats want, thats what I elected the Republicans to go to Washington for! To stop the spending spree of the Obama administration!
Republicans cite the "socialist eonomy" - but can't name one socialist policy.
iow – they're just parroting Fox & Frightwing radio propaganda.
Four words Jack: He has a record! More than that however, the media is realizing what a mistake it make in propping up Obama to Messianic heights before and after the 2008 election.. To do so again in 2012 with the state of the country the way it is would kill what little credibility the media has left among the American people.
Jaime in NC
here's the real deal Jack... in '08 Obama excited minority voters as well as young voters with his message of change. we had all hoped that Washington (hopelessly out of tune with our views) was finally catching up to see things in the same ways that we do...
Obama showed up with talks of ending unpopular wars, & policies and moving forward with bringing America back to greatness.
Unfortunately the result of his election was more of the same old same old... Gitmo WASNT closed, Washington remained hopelessly partisan, the wars in the middle east WERENT going away...
all of this combined with his inability to get anything done has contributed to the continued disillusionment of his base and it has also served to turn us away from him...
Mitch McConnell declared earlier this year that making Obama a one-term president was "my single most important political goal". That pretty much sums it up.
Majic is the right term! Slight-of-hand. Redirection. By definition: "The exercise of sleight of hand or conjuring for entertainment.", and, Boy! were we entertained!
Jack, some how it always seems like it's Obama's fault as you republicans would like everyone to believe. To me the republicans throw America under the bus to make Obama a one term President.
Peter Hill from Las Vegas Nevada
The "magic" was really a revolt against the Bush Administration where the blame was placed, as usual, on the PRESIDENT! It never ceases to amaze me how many people blame Bush for the recession when it was DEMOCRATS who took control of Congress in 2006. The price of gas went over $4 the following summer! The recession, called the longest and worst since the Great Depression, started in December 2007! Remember, CONGRESS, not the President, is primarily responsible for spending! The real problem is the public not putting the blame where it belongs: On CONGRESS, not the President!
Frank Cape Coral
I must say Pres Obama only taughted Change his followers were looking for the "Magic" and we all know it's just an illusion, Pres Obama is the same as all other politician making promises they can't keep. what's new ?
CJ in Alabama
Oh , Jack , playing devil's advocate again! There was no magic in 08 just a refreshing difference between the Bush /Cleney era. And now 4 yrs later we do not have them to put up against the back drop of a bad economy they created. BUT with the GOP no new ideas just old ones and a very weak candidate to boot. I still believe in hope and change vs old , tried and failed.
Early focus on Healthcare plus a never before seen obstructionist initiative by repubs and tea party members. Their stated goal to make Barack Obama a one-term president has guided their every decision the public AND the country be damned.
Peggy Fleming
What happened? A congress that has done EVERYTHING possible to block ANYTHING he has tried to do!!!!!!
Georgia guy
What happened? The Republicans did what was best for them, not what was good for the country. Every decision was made from a political perspective to do what would be best for Republicans to return to power. MItt Romney employs many advisers from the Bush administration. Third term coming?
President Obama has not lost his magic that's what John Boehner and cohort want y'all to believe by blocking all the president's efforts to create jobs and make Americans better. Look at where the US is today under President Obama compared to the US under President Bush. Shame on them.
God will not let these haters of the poor succeed come November.
Bob in RI
On day one of Obama's presidency, the Republicans began a mission to prevent him from achieving any semblance of success. In 2010 we were foolish enough to give the GOP a House majority. Still, the best president since Roosevelt, in my opinion, has achieved much against unprecedented opposition. Determination, and not magic is the reason.
change is lost and hope is down the drain. another term would just widen the gap even deeper
it didn't go anywhere, he's still got it, dude.
michelle - san francisco
the magic is still there, maybe not at the same level, but back then anyone replacing G.W.Bush would have been magical. and for all those 'liberals' you're talking about Jack, they simply forgot that promises made prior being elected are seldom kept....Romney, should he win this election, WILL NOT be different. It is the nature of politics everywhere.
Obama squandered his popularity thru
1. Racism-He forgot he is the president of all.
2. Dividing America
3. Moving too much to the left
6. Jobs
8. Attack on the rich- is being rich a sin?
9. Attack on American values.
pkfops
That's easy.
He still has it but you have to go outside the media.
If you scroll through the official documents and records of congress and the white house you will see it.
White House records are very "positive" and the congressional records are very "negative".
That "positive" force (good chi) is being stamped out by the "negative" forces (bad chi).
The only way to create positive chi for the country is to purge some of that bad chi in congress and put the nation in balance.
Adam from Mesa, AZ
The magic went away because it had no substance.
I too am a disappointed liberal. I'm lost, because I once was captivated by the magic of President Obama's campaign and a small part of me asks what has changed in four years? I realize that the "Big Bad GOP" would not give Obama an millimeter let alone an inch to get anything done, but what opposition party ever has? I love the hope Obama gave me in 2008, but Americans are result driven and in 4 years only small gains have been made. My disappointment with Obama as a liberal are not the goals he had, but with the way he attempted to achieve them. He has not made the GOP fear him. He has not been tough. He has compromised for the opposition, not expecting the opposition party to bend for his policies. Politics are like relationships in some ways, you give and take and in this presidential term I have seen more bullying of and taking from the Obama administration.
jay in washington dc
The magic is still there in his vision and his proposals. It is time for us to start being patriotic and support our president. Congress deserves much of the blame for the lack of progress , coupled with the enormous mess Obama inherited from Bush, and the GOP's fervor for playing politics with every proposed program just so they can win in November.
Tommy - Canada
Republican , Extreme Right and 1% have stopped his goodness for America .
wendy in key largo
Obama has been hobbled from the start. The GOP openly VOWED to be uncooperative. Can anyone on the planet not agree that it takes a LONG time to clean up a mess of the magnitude he inherited? ~ Now we have to focus on an upcoming, time-consuming election. A true momentum killer! Pres. elections should be 6 years apart, allowing for REAL change to take hold.
Duke from the Crowbar Saloon
President Obama still has the Magic! Hey, with a major lead among women, Hispanics and those 18-to-30 yrs old, Obama will be the one to carry us Forward. I predict his margin of victory will be greater than that of 2008.
Rose, Paragould, Arkansas
What do think happened? Really set in. Obama's entire election played out like a fairy tale. It was straight from the movie land script where we rooted for the underdog and wanted to believe in the happy ending. It isn't real in the movies and it wasn't real with this president. I don't know why everyone acts so disillusioned and disappointed. Most people quit believing in fairy tales when they learn Santa isn't real.
Margot in Washington
Magic is for children. Reality bites. Until this country faces it's own failures and quits expecting politicians to make "miracles", no one will be good enough. We dug this pit and refuse to do what grown-ups do. Fix our mess. We keep waiting for someone to make it all go away. And keep believing the newest politician will do that. We are a country of fools who refuse to accept any responsibility for our unwillingness to do the hard things to fix that pit in our road. Romney won't be able to do it either. Our problem is ourselves-not our government. We ceased behaving like grown-ups after 9/11 and will continue to pay a price for that. there is NO miracle worker out there.
He still believed in the Republic! He was a fool. Romney will wipe away the last remnants of the republic when he finishes the redistribution of wealth to the 1 percent club and the rest of us scramble for the scraps from the table.
What happened was the night he was inaugurated, republicans met and began their "do whatever it takes to get him out of office" movement, even if that includes bringing down America on his watch. What happened to Obama? He has a whole "Fair and Balanced" network whose only focus is how to portray Obama is the most negaitive light possible – 24/7 for 3 and half years. And now CNN seems to be on board with them. Way to go guys.
Everybody sees he is just an empty suite, filled with empty rhetoric.
Harold K in CT
C'mon, Jack; he never had any magic.
Just blue smoke and mirrors.
JR in Idaho
There was no "magic bullet" for change ... anyone with half a brain knew that early on. But after the "Bush Era" and the constant and deep BS Dubbya's administration continually spewed, ANYTHING was a welcome change. People were tired of Bush's government and simply wanted something else. Couple that with a deeply polarized and encumbering Congress and change was just a pipe dream anyway.
My fear is that we're headed the same way with Romney ... and he's no better qualified than Obama.
Henry in Maryland
In a word, Republican obstructionism and propaganda. Obama tried to govern from the center. Republicans decided before day one of Obama's presidency their primary goal was to make Obama fail, and to hell with America. Never before in US history has the opposition party filibustered virtually EVERY bill in the Senate. Obama never 60 self-identified Democratic Senators. Thus, for all intents and purposes, the Republicans controlled the Senate, or at least could and did block almost everything. Many times Republicans suggested things to Obama. Obama said "good idea" and embraced the idea, Suddenly, the GOP denounced the very idea they had pushed for months or years. Combine that with a well-oiled right-wing propaganda machine financed by the Koch brothers and Karl Rove's friends, they blasted America with great slogans that bore no relationship to reality, but the you-know-what they hurled stuck.
tom in connecticut
Obama is a good man but the country would be much better off if Hillary was elected. She would been able to get things done.
Tom from NC
Oh PLEEEEEZ. The man took the reigns from a complete idiot who, while wearing a flack-jacket on board one of our best of the Navy, stating "mission accomplished." Now we give Obama 4 years to fix a decade's worth of damage? Let's be real, shall we?
stevarino
Obama's magic flew out the window when everyone found out that he read all of his gas from the screen of a teleprompter! That was about three and a half years ago, and the REAL MAGIC has been on the wane since!!!
The only people asking that question are the media. Most supporters of Obama are still as passionate as ever about the issues he continues to fight for in spite of the massive republican obstructionism at every turn. His mistake was trying to compromise with them. His next term will show people what we Obama supporters already know, he was just getting warmed up.
michael j. Vold
he was naive or fooled enough to believe that republicans would work with a democrat, let alone a black democrat leaving him credit for anything but failure.
sarah mccoy
I believe that the people who were with President Obama in the past are still with him. The Media is very good writers of hype and have great imagination. Give a rest Jack.
What happened was the night he was inaugurated, republicans met and began their "do whatever it takes to get him out of office" movement, even if that includes bringing down America on his watch. What happened to Obama? He has a whole "Fair and Balanced" network whose only focus is how to portray Obama is the most negaitive light possible – 24/7 for 3 and half years. And now CNN seems to be on board with them.
Mike in NH
When you put someone with zero executive experience as head of the Free World, the only surprise is that it took so long for the magic to wear off. There's a reason the guy in the mail room isn't made CEO overnight.
Lots of folks continue to blame Bush and the Republicans for all of Obama's failures. A strong, decisive, visionary for president, what Obama promised he would be, should have been about to affect some changes regardless of what he inherited. Hey no way he fixes everything in 4 years but in reality he hasn't fixed much and in some cases he's made it worst. The magic was more about public spin, smoke and mirrors, and marketing, than in substance. He was too inexperienced to do the job, maybe 10 years from how he'd better understand and be equipped for the in's and out's of doing biz in Washington. Personally I think all the candidates are sorely lacking. I wish Colin Powell would run……
overit
Like the emperor duped by his designer into believing he had something he did not, Mr. Obama had too many politically correct in his "Yes" corps to actually see that he had no qualifications for what he would face as the leader of our country. Had he been properly vetted, the Democratic Party would have seen he had no experience as a leader; only as a talking-head front man and mouthpiece for whomever was directing his next move. He has shown us his agenda for "hope and change"; little of which has benefitted those of us who actually pay the bills for this country. It's time to make a real change so that our grandchildren might have some hope!
Frank G
All of you liberal hypocrites that blame the Republicans for Obama's lost "magic" and failure are delusional. Obama came off a convincing win in 2008 and had a mandate for change while controlling both houses of congress in 2009. Hi approval ratings were in the 70 to 80 percent range. Yet, because he was never properly vetted by the "so called" mainstream media we later found out that although he was an eloquent speaker and campaigner, he had absolutlely zero experience in "governing" anything in his career. Even in his short stint as a US Senator, he usually voted the party line and never made any concessions to reach across the aisle. He is a divider not a uniter who blames everyone for evertyhing, just liek most of you in this comment area. Yes he inherited a mess, but a more skilled vetted politician would have done a much better job than Obama. Hillary would have been hands down better. I get a kick out of Obama's campaign attacking Romney over his leadership at Bain Capitaland and while governor of MA and the mainstream media follows the campaigns lead. You cannot even compare Romney's credentials to Obama's. Romney had to work with 98% Democratically controlled state senate and house of reps. He showed significant bi-partisanship in his term all while never taking a salary from the state. That's leaderhip!
ken, atlantic city, nj
It was black magic, and it does not work.
cigarman
Unfortunately, being President is not like being a CEO or being in charge of a project. When I worked, I was a project Manager. That job is a piece of cake compared to being President. I could Hire and Fire as needed. If a certain person or group of people were not doing their job and refused to do their job, I would Fire them and replace them with someone that I could work with. The President of the United States does not have that Luxury. The President has to put up with people who want to destroy him and the United States. The Republicans have been working against progress by the President and the average American since Obama became President. The Republicans said on day one that their only objective was to see that Obama will be a one term President. The Republicans have been trying to destroy America as we know it. Do away with Unions, do away with Medicare, do away with Social Security, do away with Womens Rights. I am a Republican and I will be voting FOR Obam and AGAINST the Republicans. Jack, why don`t you come out in your articles and bring these subjects up instead of saying how bleak things have become. Are you a closet Republican, just asking.
Terry NJ
What did we expect??? The GOP stated their mission was to make Obama a one term president and they are working harder at that than they are working for the American people. It is despicable to say the least. The best we can do is to vote every incumbent out of office, a message needs to be sent, they work for us, not the Koch brothers
Cee.La
Slow news day Jack.........Reality checked in, of a Congress that is dysfunctional, a Republican Party/TP that decided on day one that they would not do one thing positive to get any of this presidents platform passed.....the sorely neede health care reform was almost derailed by these fools who could care less if some of us cant afford insurance, or have a pre-existing conditions..... they along with the propaganda machine set out to make Obama a one term president......cant you tell by the comments, same old haters never change......jesus could not govern us....we are impossible.......
In order to be an effective leader, potential followers must be willing to be led. Its mind boggling to hear what a miserable failure our President is, when he clearly has not been supported by congress AT ALL. Hoping that our President fails? Since when do we as Americans not root for the home team? Having our first African American President has really brought out the "best" of us, hasn't it? It saddens and sickens me to to have to witness how we have been behaving as a nation. If for nothing else, think about the examples being set for our kids.
Ron Illinois
Some magic – he made homes, jobs and the economy disappear.
A moment of bliss, a life time of sorrow. Or is it four years of not knowing. Aw, tell us what we want to hear, then leave us hanging. Kind of sounds like a bad marriage. Could an annulment be in the offing? What a country.
Gary, Iowa
What magic? We have a Speaker of the House who passed out lobbist checks on the House floor (and still has a job),
and a candidate in Romney that has been running for President for 6 years. Rush can afford to root for Obama's failure -he does make $38 Million a year. So can Senator Mitch of Kentucky – the heck with everyone else.
The GOP has made our country a living hell. What has the GOP done to make our country better? The GOP controls the house and they should present better things to the President to accept or reject and try to help our country
I like how everybody blames the Rep congress for his magic being gone (forgetting first two years it was Dem and only 1 house hase been Rep for the last two). It is more simple then that it was an illusion created by his campaign and not properly vetted by the media. Who instead of questioning everything they should, jumped on the band wagon. It was built up that there was no way to live up to the expectasions.
Max - Park City, UT
Everyone should be counting their lucky stars that he was elected to get us out of that mess, and not a GOPer.
The magic disappeared (pun intended) when we were force-fed the health care bill. There was no attempt at bi-partisan buy in. The media has chosen to forget that part of his presidency, and instead dwell on Republican obstructionism.
The president is a superb orator and a great campaigner, neither of which makes a strong leader. Now, if he can just pull one more rabbit out of the hat......
A lot of people here are blaming Republicans for "obstruction" of Obama's goals. I hope you all realize that Obama had a supermajority his first two years in office...which means he did not need a single vote to pass anything during that time period. He met resistance within his own party. He showed a lack of leadership then as he does now in governing this country and uniting the people. This is the reason he needs to be out of office. His "magic" was simply an illusion that disappeared the moment he took office.
David Westberg
Hi Jack-
I think it was Mark Twain (or Will Rogers) who said, "You campaign in poetry, you govern in prose." Guess the poetry has leaked out of Obama's pen.
cnnlicksit
He generated excitement among the masses of uninformed.
Kay in Florida
What happened? People are startting to realize what they actually got when they voted: experience, a narcissistic personality, and a lot of baggage he brought to the WH, (the liberal, socialistic inexperienced friends he was indebted to)
what happened? He was never president material! It's not a race issue, he was never qualified.
Pelegrim
Only fools believe the stuff that comes from politicians mouths. Democracy is a joke and anyone who votes is a sap.
Steve Orange
He caved in to the Republican demands on the Bush tax cuts.
He hastened the demise of the SS Fund by lowering contributions.
By making Fed money cheap, he held interest rates on savings to zero depriving 30 million old people some needed income. Nothing will happen until money is cheap.
Remember, he had both the house and the senate for the first two years and still has the senate. America just don't want what he is selling. Obamacare was wildly and still is unpopular. He is and was an empty suit that has a socialist agenda and he is going home soon. The most un-american president in history.
LB Colorado
The problem is you can't spend money you don't have, you can't force taxpayers to buy something they can't afford, you can't force your beliefs, just because you "think" it is okay, such as endorsing gay marriage, abortions, welfare "lifestyles", stop spending money you or the "AMERICAN PEOPLE" DO NOT HAVE. We don't want our money given to our enemies. Your savvy and great personality will take you places, I just don't think you belong in the White House of the USA.
Michael, from Smiths, Alabama
The magic is still there, but the political situation has been such that people are fed up. Many want to place the blame on President Obama, which I think is unfair.
John A Windolff
jack, the magic left when the President, then candidate OBama, made that infamous liberal cry "close gitmo" and give the detainees their due process. Then presto chango 3 years later Gitmo still thrives and instead of granting due process he has Bin Ladden wacked. But the real trick that used up all "The Great O'Bama's" magic was producing a Nobel Prize for Peace out of the clouds of war and only 11 days into his Presidentcy. Now thats pulling a rabbit out of a hat..... John from Wi. that great recll battle field.
Fran Sancisco
Dems, what GOP filibusters? OBAMA FAILED.
America made a huge mistake with Obama the Charlatan. I hope we don't make the same mistake twice.
Also what happened was the media started listening to the teaparty and calling them America. This country is split pretty evenly. So about the same number of us believe in him. Its just that for some reason you all seem to listen to the half that didn't vote for him and will not vote for him again. But make no mistake about it, those of us who voted him in will be voting for him again, if we are allowed to. See that's another GOP plan – "if you can't beat em, keep em from voting!"
To quote the great emancipator...
Folks it's time we looked at the hype and realize we were sold snake oil. He's a nice guy but like Carter both he and the people he brought along to help are simply incompetent. We are wanted HOPE and CHANGE instead we got more debt and an economy that is nothing short of moribund. George Bush and his crew did their damage, there no doubt about it but our dear president does not know how to fix it. It's time for hope and change. If Romney does not measure up then in four years we will kick him to the curb as well.