Obama has earned even more "political capital" that Bush declared he earned in 2004.
Let's not forget these words from George Bush after he won the 2004 election:
"Let me put it to you this way: I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it. It is my style...I’ve earned capital in this election — and I’m going to spend it for what I told the people I’d spend it on,
Bush won the 2004 election with 286 electoral votes. Obama just won on Tuesday with 303 electoral votes.
In effect, Obama brings more "political capital" to the table than George Bush declared himself to have in 2004.
Bush also said, “When you win, there is … a feeling that the people have spoken and embraced your point of view...And that’s what I intend to tell Congress, that I made it clear what I intend to do as the president; now let’s work.”
I know that Obama is not George Bush. Obama is wise, mature, compassionate and diplomatic. It's not his style to stand on the capitol steps and declare that he will engage in bulldozer, ego-driven politics.
However, Obama's re-election signals that he has power--given to him by the American people--to save Social Security, preserve Medicare and Medicaid, ensure that the rich pay their fair share and control defense spending--which siphons off the largest share of the Federal Budget. That's what Obama said he would do. The American people said they agreed and voted accordingly.
Of course, Obama should not be like the petulant, self-focused George Bush.
However, Obama should should operate from a position of strength and authority--that he clearly earned from the American people in this election.
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