There’s a very informative article by Nathan Gonzales in today’s WSJ “Opinion Journal” regarding Senator Barack Obama’s voting record, or lack thereof, in the Illinois Legislature. To be fair, he was present.
While some conservatives and Republicans surely will harp on what they call his “liberal record,” highlighting applicable votes to support their case, it’s Obama’s history of voting “present” in Springfield–even on some of the most controversial and politically explosive issues of the day–that raises questions that he will need to answer. Voting “present” is one of three options in the Illinois Legislature (along with “yes” and “no”), but it’s almost never an option for the occupant of the Oval Office.
We’ve heard him talk of purpose, conviction, taking a stand even when the position is unpopular.
“What’s stopped us is the failure of leadership, the smallness of our politics–the ease with which we’re distracted by the petty and trivial, our chronic avoidance of tough decisions,” Obama said in his announcement speech.
Call me crazy but voting “present” on critical issues such as abortion and gun control illustrates the chronic problem he denounces: avoiding tough decisions.
POTUS can’t just show up for work in the morning. All eyes turn toward the Commander-in-Chief, waiting on “the order.”
“Present,” the man says.
Now what?
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Ohh, but he’s grown and matured soo much during his tenure at Illinois. Those were the early days and now he’s able to make up his mind better.
Lord help us if the masses believe his rhetoric.
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