Obamas first term, at least, wont be easy

Ultimately, it wasn't much of a surprise but it was still an amazing moment for Americans as a country that transported so many Africans to its land against their will in the name of slavery picked an African American to be its next president.
And while the country is enjoying that historic moment, as is much of the rest of the world, U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is already starting to think about the issue of governing.
That was already evident Tuesday night during Obama's acceptance speech. Once he got past the thank-yous and the promise of a new puppy for his daughters, much of the speech was a downer. He told people the days ahead would be tough and that all Americans would have to make major sacrifices.
This is right out of many political playbooks - run on the left and then shift right to govern. It was without a doubt a very cautious, small-c conservative speech.
And maybe it was the weight of the world finally crashing on his shoulders but it was the right thing to do.
Obama is the Great Left Hope. For many Americans, tired of the tyranny of George W. Bush, Obama is the saviour.
The problem is, Obama inherits a country whose economy is already spiralling clockwise down the toilet. Governing during a recession is never easy and is often a career killer and that's what's in store for the soon-to-be president.
Couple the horrific economy with public expectations of Obama that can be described at best as unreasonable and it's safe to say he will disappoint people.
The challenge for Obama is to ensure people understand that it will not be the smoothest of presidencies because of the challenges he faces.
Fortunately for him, because of his huge popularity both with the U.S. public and media, Obama will have a healthy honeymoon, but once the honeymoon is over he already needs to have accomplished some major goals to keep people from losing faith. For a man whose campaign was light on substance, this will not be easy.
If Obama can work hard, achieve some major milestones and temper the public's unwieldy expectations, then a return to the White House should be fairly easy four years from now. But until then, it will be a tough road for Obama, tougher than usual for a first-term president.

Tuesday's night's U.S. election was filled with milestones besides the obviously regarding the president-elect's skin colour.
• The election was the first time the Democrats took control of the House, the Senate and the White House since 1992.
• It was also the first time a senator has been elected president since John F. Kennedy in 1960.
• For the first time since 1976, a Democrat won more than 50 per cent of the popular vote;
• And for the first time since 1964, a Democrat won the state of Indiana.

Jason Small can be reached at 691-1255.