Obama - day one

[RobinFinderson]

If you think about it, Carter's reputation was primarily tarnished by the fact that he was the first president to have to face the threats of this new breed of Islamic fundamentalism. He failed to fully grasp the scale of the problem, and his response was not big enough. Each successive president after Carter scaled up operations dealing with problems of anti-American Islamic fundamentalism.

Bush's legacy, to a great extent, will perish on the same rocks. Rather than not realizing the size of the problem, Bush will be remembered for misdirecting a giant force away from the problem (no WMDs).

I believe that history will be harder on Bush, and not because of a 'liberal media.'

[Guest]

It remains a brainteaser to come up with ways, however minor, in which Bush changed government, politics or the world for the better

It doesn't surprise me this task is a brainteaser to the folks over at Slate, frankly.

The president has tripled direct humanitarian and development aid to the world's most impoverished continent since taking office and recently vowed to double that increased amount by 2010 -- to nearly $9 billion.

The moves have surprised -- and pleased -- longtime supporters of assistance for Africa, who note that because Bush has received little support from African American voters, he has little obvious political incentive for his interest.

"I think the Bush administration deserves pretty high marks in terms of increasing aid to Africa," said Steve Radelet, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development.

Even if Europe gives more than the US (which they should IMHO) it's been positive development.

[Guest]

So far so good.

As 3D noted, no terrorist attacks; that's good. However, aside from the Obama cottage industries (T-shirts, buttons, cakes, you-name it), I don't see much effect.

And the markets really rallied today; that was good.

[Jeff Lebowski]

It doesn't surprise me this task is a brainteaser to the folks over at Slate, frankly.

That was partly a little teaser to see if Tex is trolling. That kind of stuff really sets him off.

Even if Europe gives more than the US (which they should IMHO) it's been positive development.

Hey, you found one.

[wuapinmon]

I'm just glad to see Bush gone. It's hard to imagine anyone could have done a worse job.

You don't have to imagine:

LBJ
James Buchanan

[MarkGrace]

Both of my classes were canceled today. I'd say President Obama is off to a terrific start.

[myboynoah]

Jacob Weisberg on assessing the BWB presidency:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/178858

I suppose the greatest endorsement Bush receives is that Obama will change very little that the Bush administration initiated.

Guantanamo? Do you really think Obama is going to let those guys go?

Iraq? The Surge has made it possible for us to talk about withdrawal without leaving the country in a complete mess.

Health Care? The Medicare prescription drug program has been a rousing success.

Tax cuts? Those will continue under Obama.

Domestic Surveillance? Bush established the legal remedy for the program to continue. I seriously doubt Obama will dial back any surviellance of those in the U.S. connected to terrorist organizations.

Economic Stimulus? It was the Dems looking for cover from Repubs to do exactly what they wanted.

I guess Obama has promised to increase U.S. commitment to the war in Afghanistan (a NATO action), as well as to invade Pakistan if it doesn't cooperate. There's some differences.

[myboynoah]

is he injured? i didnt know that. he looked really frail, but if he is injured, that helps explain it.

I don't know the details. The commentators explained it.

[Jeff Lebowski]

I suppose the greatest endorsement Bush receives is that Obama will change very little that the Bush administration initiated.

That seems like an awfully subjective basis for judgment. Especially given that his presidency is just a few hours old.

Ultimately, history will judge GWB.

[myboynoah]

That seems like an awfully subjective basis for judgment. Especially given that his presidency is just a few hours old.

Ultimately, history will judge GWB.

I find nothing here with which I can disagree.

More on day one - a parade. Give me a break, Obama is having a parade.

[TripletDaddy]

I find nothing here with which I can disagree.

More on day one - a parade. Give me a break, Obama is having a parade.

McCain is having a smaller parade in Phoenix this afternoon.

[wuapinmon]

McCain is having a smaller parade in Phoenix this afternoon.

Having lived in New Orleans during her first few years, my oldest child hates parades that don't throw things to people.....she says it's dumb to just stand there and wave at people in cars unless they're going to throw some candy, beads, or toys.

Amen, Marley.....amen.

[Pheidippides]

Having lived in New Orleans during her first few years, my oldest child hates parades that don't throw things to people.....she says it's dumb to just stand there and wave at people in cars unless they're going to throw some candy, beads, or toys.

Amen, Marley.....amen.

Usually in NO, the people throwing beads and such expect a quid pro quo exchange of services and/or visuals.

[TripletDaddy]

Usually in NO, the people throwing beads and such expect a quid pro quo exchange of services and/or visuals.

AMEN, MARLEY! AMEN!

[Guest]

A metrics question: Does today count as part of the media-driven first 100 days crap? Or does that measure start tomorrow?