Question of the Day | 04/29/2009 11:00 pm

Now that we've passed the 100-day mark, what do you think has been President Barack Obama's best move since gaining office?

And what has been his poorest or least effective move? Join Liz Smith and Marlo Thomas and tell us below.

Liz Smith | 04/30/2009 11:40 am

Liz Smith Loaths to Criticize Obama Just as She Loathe to Citicize FDR During the Great Depression

I think it’s incredible that President Obama is still standing considering what he inherited from day one. And I think it is disgraceful that conservatives in Congress (both Democratic and Republican) have behaved in concert like spoiled brats intending to thwart his every move when we are in a crisis that is not even of the president’s making. Happily, the public is still behind the president and it looks to me like ye olde Republican Party is committing suicide.

I am loathe to criticize our chief executive just as I was loathe to criticize FDR when he was trying to save the nation from the Great Depression. If I have any lingering critique of the Obama performance in the first 100 days, it would be that he took on too many things at once instead of first just informing the nation that it was in a massive crisis where we all needed to pull together. As if it was an Emergency – and isn’t it?

5 Comments

Marlo Thomas | 04/29/2009 11:00 pm

Marlo Thomas Wonders: 'Will They Ever Care About the Right Things?'

I love that Barack Obama is proactive. He is a master at using his time well. Unbelievably, some have been criticizing him for taking on too much at once. But I say, why not? There’s a lot wrong. I’m especially bothered by some conservatives (I won’t name them — we know who they are) not giving Obama a breath of a chance to accomplish what he’s set out to do, let alone wishing him well. Apparently, the appetite of the hungry 24/7 news media monster has become more important than accuracy or the well-being of the country. Will they ever care about the right things?

7 Comments

Read more about: 100 Days, Barack Obama, Legislation, Politics, White House

163 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

As a women my choice for best thing the President has done is sign the Lilly Ledbetter act.

I have three female grandchildren. I do hope signing this act ensures that when they enter the workforce they earn the same as men doing the same job. It’s sad that there has to be a law to enforce equal pay for equal work but I thank President Obama for signing it.

By C. Aune on 04/30/2009 9:11 am

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100 days out of 1461 days (4 years) or 2922 days (8 years if he gets re-elected). What’s the big deal with rating him on his 1st 100 days? Is it another slow news day or what?

By B Clark on 04/30/2009 9:15 am

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100 days is a benchmark dating back to FDR, google it and read up on traditions!

By C. Aune on 04/30/2009 9:22 am

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He is reaching out and trying to redeem our tarnished image over seas. He makes us feel included in the equation. He obviously enjoys what he is doing, and his motivation is contagious. He is taking on issues that were laid aside and neglected for 8 too-long years. He has a "youthful" attitiude, and is forward looking and willing to try new things. And….he’s just plain likeable, as far as I’m concerned.

By Diana T on 04/30/2009 9:48 am

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As traditions go, seems to me (only my opinion - it seems others cherish it), this one could be thrown out. Seriously, whether you give him a great grade or a failing one, what difference does it make? If you disapprove, what are you going to do - call for another election? A vote of no confidence is a symbolic gesture in the USA. If we held an election every time public opinion called for one, we’d have precious few Presidents that could finish a full term of office.

By B Clark on 04/30/2009 9:57 am

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B Clark..you are absolutely right andnyou made me laugh. I agree.If you don’t agree, you can’t do anything about it anyways.

By D C on 04/30/2009 10:06 am

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I think his best move so far has been the make-up of his cabinet. It reflects the make up of America, as I believe it should.

While it seems everyone is complaining about government and how it should be smaller, I’m one of the few Americans left that believes in government and the important role I think it plays to protect and guide us. I applaud him for surrounding himself with such a diverse group of smart, savvy, intelligent and competent individuals. I am so excited about our government and about the changes I see taking place.

By Belinda Joy on 04/30/2009 10:15 am

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While continually blaming everything wrong on previous administrations, he ha spent more money on a daily basis than the previous president spent in his first term, he gave an awkward gift to the Queen of England, bowed to a Saudi prince, graciously accepted a hate America" book from Hugo Chavez and apologized for America all of Europe. He is in the process of nationalizing our banks, the auto industry, and is threatening to take over other private businesses as well. He has enacted the most pro-death policy toward the unborn in our history. He is trying to socialize our health care and pushing for more government run programs.

In short we are rapidly speeding toward becoming a socialized, government run country, losing our personal and private freedoms in the process. Yes, he’s done more than any president in our history.

By crux ** on 04/30/2009 10:18 am

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crux** … thanks for your post and telling it like it is….this should be a wake up call for the next 100 days….I’m biting my nails!!! My grade for obama……"present"!!!

By Libra Lady on 04/30/2009 4:08 pm

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You my dear are one of only 21% in this country who feel that way. Whether someone makes the choice to have an abortion or not it is only your business what your choice is. As for socialized have you walked on a sidewalk or driven on a road? Bush left our country in such a mess and he is brave enough to take it on. We want freedom of rights for all, not only a few. This country was not founded on religion.

By S G on 05/01/2009 12:22 pm

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Our Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and basic laws are all based on religion: Any civil society must be based on the rule of law in order to survive. The writings of the founders show that they understood this, but at the same time did not want any government controlled or mandated religion. They had lived in countries in Europe where a "brand of religion" was forced on them. They did not America to be like that. That is why freedom of religion is a protected right - not freedom FROM religion. Any civil society must have a population that are bound by common laws, that are common to all people. Most religions, no matter the "brand" have the same principles: Don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t commit adultery, etc. Our laws are fundamentally the 10 Commandments. You can’t get more religious than that.

On the personal side, I have a deep belief in a higher power, but I don’t bash anyone over the head with it. What I find extremely offensive, is that my tax dollars support and fund something that I find absolutely horrendous and spiritually wrong. I would take issue with your statistics. I think that there are more people who object to abortion than not.

As for Bush - I didn’t like him either. He was wrong about spending, and he grew the size of many government programs that should have been decreased instead.

By crux ** on 05/01/2009 3:05 pm

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I wish people could be objective when asked a question instead of lowering themselves to nasty, small minded comments. How far do people have to go to prove how much they hate this president? Some of these comments are like reading nasty high school commentary. Grow up people. If you can’t find anything good to say just shut up!It’s really not necessary to comment on everything.

I’m climbing down from my soap box now.

By Cheryl Mitchell on 04/30/2009 10:23 am