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In the days leading up to President Barack Obama unveiling his gun-violence proposals -- a first chance to signal his intended path forward -- no one was entirely sure what to expect.
Would the characteristically cautious Obama go incremental, putting forth measures intended to have a chance at passing Congress? Or would he go bold? The answer wound up being the latter, with the president making a sweeping call to action on guns -- the broadest proposals in a generation.
Go big or play it safe is a calculus all second-term presidents make when they’re fresh off a re-election, emboldened by the satisfaction that a majority of voters approved enough of their first term to send them back to the White House, yet experienced enough to understand the pitfalls of the legislative fights ahead.
Like many of his predecessors, Obama is exuding a newfound confidence as he begins his second term. His gun-control push, combined with a narrower approach to Afghanistan, contentious national-security nominations, and harder lines in dealing with House Republicans, foreshadows a president -- free from electoral politics -- who appears ready to shed some of the pragmatism that marked his first term. It signals that while he may remain open to deals, Obama likely will feel less inclined to spend significant time pursuing them with an entrenched opposition.
TODAY's Lester Holt reports from Washington D.C. on how the struggles and victories of President Obama's first term have set the stage for opportunities of the second.
“It makes sense, historically,” said Michael Beschloss, a presidential historian and a NBC News contributor. “There is more of a sense of command. He speaks more confidently. There’s just a difference between becoming president after being a senator for four years and being the most powerful person in the world for four years.”
Barbara Perry, a senior fellow at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, agreed.
“He has this kind of calm, self-confidence, cool, to his enemies bordering on an arrogant demeanor, and that may be coming out now,” Perry said. “He seems bolder than coming in.”
Obama's newfound command style is typical for a second-term president, Beschloss said. He pointed to similarities between Obama’s presence now and Bill Clinton in 1997 and George W. Bush in 2005, after both were also re-elected.
“America tends to treat two-term presidents very differently,” Beschloss said. “In terms of body language, this is a different dimension.”
Presidents in their first terms are often self-conscious, he added, about whether they will earn the legitimacy granted in the annals of history to those who win re-election.
“He’s proved that he’s not a historical fluke,” he said of Obama, noting that all presidents wonder if they are just that.
A strong position
Obama is in an especially strong position for a second term, considering that he accomplished a signature legislative achievement -- heath care -- in his first term, Beschloss noted.
“He is less encumbered than many second-term presidents are,” he said.
According to Beschloss, Most presidents hold off on a push for a major legislative achievement until the fifth year, when they believe they will be free of electoral politics. Think John F. Kennedy and civil rights.
“Most presidents I can think of would have waited to do health care in a second term,” Beschloss said, adding that Obama, though, “did the opposite” likely because he realized he might not have the same structural advantages again of large Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate.
“That makes this as a second-term president a little different. He’s not girding for that kind of fight.”
Perry also points to the Supreme Court upholding the health-care law as a turning point.
“It had to show the president, ‘I really do get this system,’” she said. “I just don’t think people make enough of that victory.”
Couple that with Obama’s decided victory in November, and “that has to infuse him with confidence,” she added.
Obama will have to make sure the health care law is implemented well, but he can turn his legislative focus to guns and immigration, both areas where they expect Obama will go bold.
Another reason for the shift, Beschloss said, is Obama is no longer in crisis mode the way he was when he came into office in 2009.
“You’re probably getting much more of a view of the true person rather than someone responding to crisis after crisis,” Beschloss said.
Comparing to JFK
Beschloss and Perry see similarities to Kennedy in how Obama has evolved as president. Like Kennedy, Obama was young and a relative political neophyte when he took office. Neither was known for or seemed to enjoy the back slapping or arm twisting seen as necessary for major legislative victories in the way Lyndon Johnson or Bill Clinton did.
But both learned from mistakes.
“He does seem to have that quality, a JFK quality,” Perry said. “They aren’t natural-born politicians; they have charisma, but aloof. Personality-wise, they’re very similar. He learned from his mistakes, and I think Obama has that capacity, and that is a major skill for a president. You didn’t get to see that in a second term for Kennedy.”
Beschloss added, “You sure want a president with a sharp learning curve. Kennedy’s the best example of that.”
Perry said perhaps Obama deserves the criticism that he’s not sociable or seen as good negotiator. “He may be aloof,” she said. “His personality doesn’t lend to backslapping.”
But structure may matter more. Both Perry and Beschloss believe Obama has taken away from his first term that he doesn't have a good-faith negotiating partner in the GOP and that since it will only continue, as the GOP looks to who can become the next GOP president, Obama won't try as hard to woo Republicans.
“I think, and he has said this, he was optimistic and tried to improve the relationship,” Beschloss said, but now he “feels more chastened, and you can see it in his actions.”
Perry added, “I don’t see us moving much beyond the Mitch McConnell statement from four years ago.”
As Obama was beginning his first term, the Republican Senate leader from Kentucky famously proclaimed, “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.”
“Now the goal of the GOP will be to put a Republican back in the White House after eight years, so anything they can do to short circuit this president’s agenda, they will do,” Perry said. “And that’s not a criticism. That’s just the way the system has operated since we’ve had two parties, since the founders walked out of the signing of the Constitution.”
The question now is “will this newfound confidence get him over that hurdle?” Perry said.
It only makes sense then, they said, that Obama will try and play an “outside game” to try and leverage pressure on Congress.
Clock is ticking
But there remain warning signs for the president. The economy is still in a fragile recovery and many second terms have been marred by scandal or mismanagement (Watergate, Iran-Contra, Monica Lewinsky, Katrina and Iraq).
There are also the unknowns. Obama had to deal with several unexpected major events in his first term, from the BP oil spill to the Arab Spring to the debt-ceiling crisis.
In addition, for Americans, “familiarity breeds contempt,” Perry notes. Nearly every president since World War II, except Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, has become less popular in their second term.
“Americans grow weary of just about everyone and everything,” Perry said. “We use up politicians and celebrities, and sports figures … It’s an unusual personage who can overcome that handicap, but Obama is one of the few presidents who has the ability to do that.”
She also points out the irony that, like with Reagan and Clinton, “The farther we get away from them [presidents], the more we like them.”
The biggest hurdle, though, in Obama’s second term is there's only so much time to get it all done.
In fact, presidents who win reelection only have about six months before they become a lame duck, Beschloss said. Elected officials start thinking about their own reelections in the midterms. The parties start looking beyond the president to the upcoming open presidential election. It’s something Johnson understood well.
“LBJ said, ‘We’ve got exactly six months,’” Beschloss said of Johnson after winning election in 1965. “Most of what you and I think of as the Great Society passed in the first six months.”
And in Obama’s case, every day spent on fiscal fights with House Republicans is one less day spent on any major initiatives the president wants passed.
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The new normal! Arrogance is now confidence.
So far we have had only one president who was involved in a civil war during his term.
I think it will soon be two presidents...
Bring it on Tammy. The repubs have all the guns huh?
Well, guess who has the drones and the satellites and the nukes? The same people who built the Internet: nerds, from horrible places like California.
Suck on that thought.
And that debt figure does not include social security obligations which are now funded by worthless government notes. It is a Ponzi scheme, no more, no less. The numbers from social security are HUGE.
"Three months ago, he would be bringing our coffee!"
----Bill Clinton
I guess a person has to agree to the title of the story and accept it for what it is. The amateur has had 4 years of on the job training and before this opportunity was a freshman Senator who's positions have done a 180 since being elected to the Presidency. Many previous colleagues and associates related to the previous personality of the President are still hiding under the bus and the rest are still in contact with the political circles of Chicago. The mandate is a TAX! A more confident 4 years await our President but his tactics of finding common ground continue to elude the usefulness of a majority of the populace. Smoke and mirrors, meet the new boss same as the old.
I rephrase my opinionated statement and apologize for any disrespect towards the office of the Presidency but hold the Campaigner in Chief to total accountability on the conditions of the country after 4 years of his Administrations leadership (or lack of),
The correct words I meant to use and will do so now in this correction are:
obama should go back to the gay bath house he used to hang out in Chicago
Dead Fish Emanuel is keeping his male saddle swing nice and toasty.
God you people are sick. Do you not want to even try to have any human decency? Has hate realy consumed you that much?
He can't, it's to dangerous to live there even WITHOUT assault weapons!
Obama won,now lets all move forward
yeah he will start 3.5 years from, now...another obamathon, forgiving student loans increasing food stamps.....if pur country is still here .
what a joke
One illegal swearing in another illegal. This pair are more illegal than all the illegals in this country. Proof? Both indiscrimiinately trample the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
LOL. I was thinking the same thing: A muslim illegal alien being sworn in by a real alien. Call the MIB.
do both of you light your cigar's with your face in the fire
I want to laugh, but I want to cry too.
Laugh, because he got re-elected.
Cry?
For the same reason.
I am watching black women on NBC news who are selling Tee Shirts, blankets etc. with his ugly ass picture on them.
Now, think about this for one second.
What are they doing?
They are being capitalist. (as they should in America)
I need say no more.
I bet you thought you had a point in there somewhere.
JOCK.
You will never see a point.
Never.
Keep trying though, you never can tell.
I will never see a point in your comments? Thanks for the warning.
Can't get any clearer than that.
It's nice to know you are loved.
he should go back to Kenya where he was born
I don't think there are any towns called Kenya in Hawaii
Well, He is also more "Flexible" now.. as he whispered the the russian president, I believe.
Of course presidents are more flexible in their second term. That is the nature of politics. I think it is a good thing.
barack hussein is a muslim, liar, traitor, murderer, racisit, gun runner, divider, and a narcissist. He only won reelection because he promised to keep giving things to all the low lifes in America. He has grown welfare and the food stamp program to historic levels. He has extended unemployment for years of coverage so people no longer have to work or have incentive to find a job. His section 8 housing program is the only part of the housing market growing. The unemployment which he said was going to be his number one priority is actually over 20 %. Our national debt is the highest it has ever been in our history. Chicago has killed more American than were killed in 2012 in a war zone in the middle east. Over 70% of American war casualities have occured on barack's watch. He has had our credit rating down graded 3 times on his watch. The first time in American history. Only loser liberals believe he has accomplished anything.
I really just don't understand hate.
You will never understand a muslim then..
Not the ones who hate, no.
If you served under Rev. Wright the indoctrination and teaching you would understand hate and be willing to carry it out as many Muslim extremists do. Hate knows no boundaries and is breed into each culture by the lack of tolerance, lack of knowledge and lack of respect for the unknown.
The facts are painful, not hate. Those that support are not willing to look at the facts. Those that are given the handouts don't ask where they come from or who is paying. They thank the giver.
I live in a poisonous city so I did not vote for Obama, or anyone this time around (safer that way); but my mother would have been very proud of the outcome, Mr. President.
Sad how Americans today reward failures. we thrive on corruption, lies and deceptions and we swear in a liar, theft and criminal politician as he spends us into bliss.. Fools love a fool and idiots can't think for themselves so they hire criminals who can shove a big one up their butts, and they just scream, push harder lord and savior O-Abomination. Blinded puppets follow right into hell as he blasphemes right to their stupid ignorant faces. I am sure glad there is one who will send liars thefts, perverted wicked people right where they belong and I don't care how big, how powerful you think you are. YOUR ignorance oh lord and savior O-abomination can't hide.. Go Arm your Muslim brotherhood some more you pig, just makes my day knowing you are going to burn in hell ..bend over bitches,, he is pushing harder,, your money whore, O-Abomination loves you stupid whores..
I'm not sure that is even coherent enough to qualify as hate.
So even the incoherent can see the failure, corruption, lies and deceptions. Doesn't that speak volumes? Be careful what you wish for, you might get (got) it.
Oh yes, if you disagree, you are displaying "hate", or are a racist, etc....The Democrats discriminate more than anyone I have seen. How many have said "old, white, man". My god, it discriminates on age, race, and gender. I guess only the black, female and young know anything. Bigot = Democrat.
Compare Obama to JFK? Give me a break! Obama has submitted ONE budget in four years even though it is required by law every February. Saved the auto industry? LOL. Save the Union jobs at GM, sold Chrysler to Fiat, and screwed the shareholders royally! Ford didn't need any help and were poised to pick-up some or all of that lost biz. Since Obama has never run a business I guess he looks at things differently and ignores what he doesn't like. 45 million on Food Stamps? $16,000,000,000,000.00 in debt? 300,000 new government workers hired during his term? 50% of the country paying NO income tax? How long do you pin-heads think this can last?
Are you kidding? This anti American administration is convident in its planned Dictatorship only. the ruining of America continues.
Thank You rmorrowga you saved me a post! Couldn't of said it better myself.
That's Marxist Dictatorship!
Where does this dictator nonsense come from? Obama hasn't done anything different than ohter presidents.
Hes a dictator to them, because he wont do what they demand... Anyone who doesnt follow orders is a dictator to repubs, didnt you know that?
He's a dam Marxist Dictator Period, kiddies because he's broken so many laws that your teeny tiny heads would spin!
News Flash as soon as him as his cronies are through ripping and raping the second amendment of the constitution,he's going after the 22nd amendment and ransacking that,to change the terms of the presidency to unlimited terms.Meaning he could be voted in cough cough president for life!As many times as he wants to.
Think I'm kidding? Watch your marxist god,in action in about 6 months.
The people can change the constitution anytime they want to. There is nothing dictatorial about that.
Name one law he has broken.
Let's start with Fast and Furious shall we?He was in on that one Big Time! Then let's go to his death list of sending drones into foreign countries to kill people,where he's not suppose to go.How about saying that our military is now run by NATO,bet ya didn't know that did ya? I mean hell I can go on but that's only a thumb nail sketch of some the laws this marxist clown has broken!
How about all the lies he spewed out and then went back on his word.Not only is he a murderer,he's a pathological liar!
As far as the Constitution is concerned,I don't know where you got your information from but NO,you can't just change things in it to suit your purpose. Better study the constitution better,because you don't know Jack Crap about it.
You want some more?Cause I have a list a mile long!
Here is a little test you need to take.
If you ever wondered which side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!
If a Conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a Liberal, doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
If a Conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat.
If a Liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
If a Conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a Liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.
If a Conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A Liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
If a Conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
A Liberal demands those they don't like it shut them Down!!
a Conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A liberal Non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.
If a Conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it,
or may choose a job that provides it.
A Liberal believes the rest of U.S should Pay!
A Conservative can think for themselves.
A Liberal has to be told what to think and say by anyone who gives them the kool-aid and as much free stuff as they can get away with!
If a Conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good
laugh.
A Liberal will delete it because he's "offended".
So which side of the fence are you on??
I've known a lot of liberals in my life, but I have never met anybody remotely like that. I realise you need a fantasy to hate, though, so whatever.
This guy's entire life has been a farce and why he has spent millions cover it up.
I don't believe it's more confident, it's more arrogance Obama is. He looks so much older now and lacks the youthful spirit of four years ago. He's going to demand and bash to get what he wants this term, with no regard to what it will do to the remaining citizens that have jobs. Those unemployed and on welfare need not worry, Obama wiill continue to take care of them.
Oh boy. So now Barack :Hussein can go about flooding the country with illegal Mexicans, paying for their social services with the tax dollars of those who didn't vote for him but who work, and perhaps make this great country another Muslim offshoot. God help America
ok - a new confident obama - to what, replace the prancing arrogant one?
I will never ever accept Welfare or Food stamps, I am too proud. I don't believe our government should support me. Even my Social Security will go to charity. Does that make me a tea-bagger?
Then you must have refused to attend public schools on principle?
Then you will be refusing Medicare coverage?
Only drive on private roads?
Never took a federally subsidized student loan? My bad........you probably didn't finish high school.
You can refuse medicare coverage,you need to fill out a form and send it in to Social Security!
God or Caesar?
Human Life International President Father Shenan J. Boquet is calling on pro-lifers around the world to stay vigilant, to pray, and not to give up hope.
"Under the most radical anti-life president America has ever seen, the U.S. taxpayers have funded a destructive foreign policy, which has already done great harm around the world," said Father Boquet. "But we must continue to fight for those who cannot defend themselves, and we cannot lose hope, because the Lord of Life is on our side.
"We need prayer now more than ever for our unborn brothers and sisters around the world facing death due to the policies of the Obama administration, and for those facing persecution for daring to spread the Gospel of Life," Father Boquet said. "May Our Lord Jesus Christ give us the strength to run the race and win the fight for life."
Non-negotiables. These are areas that are “intrinsically evil” and cannot be supported by anyone who is a believer in God or the common good or the dignity of the human person.
They are:
1. abortion
2. euthanasia
3. embryonic stem cell research
4. human cloning
5. homosexual “marriage”
Of course, all the above are supported by our current President
He thinks three of them should be legal, but probably "supports" only one or two of them (whatever that means).
You will be praying a very long time, better wear knee pads.
Anyone that compares this jackass to Kennedy needs to have his head examined.... 1 he's not very smart 2 what women other than the fat girl would want to screw around with this guy!!!
Are you 12?
move back to africa you chimp and take your arangutans with you
I really just don't understand hate.
We can all agree? Really? Are you watching an endless reel of Fox coverage prior to the election results? No, a MAJORITY of Americans put him back in office. You really should get your learning disability diagnosed.
You need a visit from the FBI.
thats is because the ignorant chimp in the white house is loading your ebt card on the backs of the tax payers who are getting plenty tired of supporting your lazy stupid arse, I am getting real close to taking a vacation and never going back to work as I am tired of supporting idiots like you.
Are you referring to the ignorant chimp that is running circles around conservatives?