Barack Obama’s rescue package has finally been approved by both houses of congress, thereby securing the President his first major victory in office. The passing of the $787bn economic stimulus package has been described by it’s author as ‘historic’ and ‘a major milestone on our road to recovery’. Obama’s first major victory.
Barack Obama has held his first radio and Internet speech as the President of the United States. Not surprisingly, he concentrated on how to fix the flailing economy. His very expensive and complex plan is now being considered by congress, and also by the public, but they already had their say about two and a half months ago. Obama wants swift and expensive action.
Barack Obama has been really busy since being inaugurated on Tuesday. Sure he had to find time to retake the swearing in oath, but when that was out of the way, he went to work. He has made it painfully clear that the Bush era is over by announcing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay prison, a ban on harsh interrogation and the end of CIA prisons. Busy, Mr. President?
Finally, we have a politician who dares to say publicly what most of them are thinking; Bush’s war on terror was a mistake. Speaking in Dubai, David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, said that by declaring ‘war on terror’ President Bush had forced extremists to unite against the west. Mr. Miliband continued on to say that the phrase suggested that terrorism had to be tackled by force and said that historically, this was not the best way to tackle the dangers facing the West. Miliband critizing Bush.
Two of Barack Obama’s advisers have told the AP news agency that he will order an issue to close the controversial prisoner camp during his first week in office. This pledge comes just a day after Obama seemed to back track from his campaign promise of a speedy closure, saying that the termination of the camp is ‘complicated’. Obama’s Gitmo dilemma.
For a lot of people, George W. Bush is already firmly placed on the ‘worst president’ list. Not because he started a war, or because he completely ignored the dangers of global warning, or his utter failure to act after hurricane Katrina, but because his total ineptness. He never should have become president, let alone a politician. Will history improve Bush’s record?
Joe Biden visited Larry King on Monday, and much of the interview he talked about the move into the White House. Biden said that domestically he isn’t worried about the soaring expectations to the president elect, but internationally he is. He told Larry King that he had been contacted by several world leaders who were excited to finally have an American leader who they think has a policy that reflects their own, and who will listen and work with them. Biden’s worries for Obama.
GOP, a.k.a the Republican party, did not fare well in this years elections. Lost the White House, and lost majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Could it be that this Grand Old Party is just that? Old? GOP to be saved by youngsters?
So it’s official. Barack Obama has named Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State, making the worst kept secret in current US politics public. And he really couldn’t have picked anyone else, could he. She has it all; experience, connections and the know-how. Great news for the US and for the rest of the world. No surprise I am an avid supporter of Hillary, I just don’t know why. Best of both.
For all of us who wanted Hillary Clinton to win the primaries and be where Barck Obama is now is hoping and praying that he will appoint her as Secretary of State. That must be one of the strongest teams the US has had for a long, long time. Let’s see what the recent past has brought the world. Barack + Hillary = a better world.