In your words: Obama’s first 100 days
We asked readers of The Spokesman-Review and spokesman.com, “Have you changed your mind about President Obama, and why or why not?”
Here’s a selection of the nearly 100 responses received via e-mail and on the Huckleberries Online blog:
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I was kind of optimistic about him at first, optimistic that he would really change things (how Washington, D.C., worked) and maybe implement some new ideas. As time goes by I have been brought back down to the reality that Obama’s policies differ little from any other member of the left elected in the past 60 or so years. Obama just has more of a chance to implement those ideas and a friendly news media. – RedMan, posted on Huckleberries Online
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My opinion of him has changed. I have been a supporter of him from the beginning, and I thought he would make an effective, good president, but he has exceeded my wildest hopes in just 100 days, and I couldn’t be any more impressed. He listens to all angles of an issue, takes the long view of issues, looking down the road, and makes an informed decision. He is taking on the tough issues no one would take on. A very impressive man, and I look forward to the next four years and getting the big issues tackled under his leadership. – Tom Harding, Spokane
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Obama has exceeded my worst fears about the election of this Chicago radical. His appointments of tax evaders, lobbyists and political hacks represent his idea of change. He appears hell-bent on destroying the safety of this nation, its economy and health care system. Stand by for his relocation of captured terrorists to a neighborhood near you. – Bob Korkus, Spokane
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As someone who did vote for him, I’m fairly happy. He campaigned on increasing federal education spending, health care and reforming our approach to international issues, and he is moving in those directions. – Idawa, posted on Huckleberries Online
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No, I have not changed my mind regarding President Obama. He is a socialist. His refusal to accept repayment of TARP funds from banks is a ploy to nationalize the American banking system. His idea of change is the “sacrifice of the individual to the whole.” This is just an overture to the grand opera; just wait until he starts spending on national health care and global warming. – Helen Duey, Spokane Valley
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I voted for him because he was the best hope for refloating a sinking ship. I cried tears of joy when he was inaugurated and am starting to regain the pride I once had as an American. Has he done everything right? No, but I can’t think of one president before him who has. He has, however, demonstrated that he listens and thinks before he acts. That was missing for, at least, the last eight years. – BlueinIdaho, posted on Huckleberries Online
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Mr. Obama has consistently fulfilled mine and my husband’s opinion we had during the campaign for president. He’s inexperienced, naive and arrogant. He is taking a path of extremism that will tear our beloved country apart. Between Bush’s and Obama’s policies we are being sold out. Our safety and sovereignty is in jeopardy. To have a true conservative viewpoint and uphold the Constitution is being ridiculed by those in power. Soon, if the extreme left has its way, it will be illegal. People, be informed of the facts, stand up for your rights and pray hard. – Bud and Rae Miller, Wallace
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This past election was the first one I’ve ever become involved in because we need change in the way things are done in Washington, D.C. I fully supported Obama, and have not changed my mind. Obama IS different and IS bringing change. He is an intellectual and has surrounded himself with other thinkers. I believe he is working on an agenda for “the people” and NOT for his own benefit, which seems to be a HUGE difference from what we’ve become used to in politics. And, he’s an excellent role model, as his family is. – Dora-Faye Hendricks, Spokane
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I still don’t know … . I will give him the honor and respect that is due the office of president. I hope for the best, but as others have mentioned, it’s a big machine, and there are a lot of good ol’ boys. Change in D.C. is hard to come by. I want him to succeed. I’ll watch the 100 day telecast. But, honestly, every time I see pictures or broadcasts of President Obama, all I think of is that he is so young! Guess that reflects more on me than on him, though. – Brand X Ranch, posted on Huckleberries Online
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My overall opinion of our current President Obama has not changed. I assumed he would be the wrong choice as a leader of our country for several reasons and he unfortunately has confirmed this in the very short time he has held the highest office in the world. At the top of this list of reasons is his despicable inability to comprehend and ultimately defend the fact that our United States is the most respectable place to reside and is not reliant on government control but the continued integrity of our American legacy. – William Thompson, Deer Park
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I assumed all presidential candidates lied through their teeth making promises to get elected, then spent the next four years making excuses and explaining why they couldn’t follow up on their promises. That, then, would be used as the foundation to get a second term. During the first 100 days of his administration, Barack Obama is following the script he broadcast during the campaign. This is refreshing and has me thinking that perhaps we have the most honest president in office now since “Honest Abe” Lincoln was sworn in 148 years ago. – Tom Bennett, Moses Lake
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Still thumbs-down. If Obama’s agenda is enacted, health care as we know it will end. Chronically ill and the elderly will be kicked to the curb. Why are Canada and England now allowing private clinics to open if their programs are successful? Cap-and-trade will finally send the last of our smokestack industries overseas and our energy costs will soar. His green solar plans are being blocked by Sen. Boxer and the Park Service. The warnings of his march toward socialism are borne out by nationalization of the auto industry. We are about to become Europe. God help us. – Roger Dudley, Spokane