Open Thread, January 11-17, 2016

username2

If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

Notes for future OT posters:

1. Please add the 'open_thread' tag.

2. Check if there is an active Open Thread before posting a new one. (Immediately before; refresh the list-of-threads page before posting.)

3. Open Threads should be posted in Discussion, and not Main.

4. Open Threads should start on Monday, and end on Sunday.

If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

Notes for future OT posters:

1. Please add the 'open_thread' tag.

2. Check if there is an active Open Thread before posting a new one. (Immediately before; refresh the list-of-threads page before posting.)

3. Open Threads should be posted in Discussion, and not Main.

4. Open Threads should start on Monday, and end on Sunday.

What did Obama do wrong?

He created very high expectations (remember Hope & Change?) and massively underperformed.

Basically, he turned out to be a mediocre President, not horrible, but not particularly good either. He disappointed an awful lot of people.

As to claims that you mention, Presidents have little control over economy. Economic growth is just not a function of who currently lives in the White House. With respect to "weaker globally", it's a complicated discussion which should start with whether you want US to be a global SWAT team.

Thank you!

He created very high expectations (remember Hope & Change?) and massively underperformed.

And "Yes We Can!". :)

I guess all political slogans blend together for me. All of this year's nominees are making similar over-the-top type claims about what they will accomplish. I'm sincerely surprised anyone believes any of them.

One "change" that happened was the ACA. I know this is contentious depending on your politics, but it at least qualifies as the sort of "change" Obama's constituents likely had in mind when elec... (read more)