by Dexter Rogers

Created on: April 30, 2009   Last Updated: May 10, 2009

I think the latter is predicated on what segment of the American population want President Obama to succeed or fail. Also ones political affiliation, how the media covers President Obama, and ones current economic standing will determine what's expectated of President Obama.

It's safe to assume the vast majority of the Democrats are wanting President Obama to shine. They voted for him based on the premise that he'd deliver on his mighty theme of change that he preached throughout his run at political history. Generally speaking if President Obama falls short on a promise he made during his campaign, Democrats are not likely to hold him totally accountable. He'll get the benefit of the doubt because Democrats will reason that the country was in such shambles that it would take a miracle for him to eradicate the array of problems former President Bush left behind. Most Democrats will exercise patience to allow for his vision to hopefully come to fruition.

Republicans on the otherhand are likely to want President Obama to fail. Their collective expectations of him will be off the charts because they'll expect President Obama to deliver on all his campaign promises in additon to clearing up the residue left by former President Bush. Anything that will resemble a failure will be blown out of proportion and depicted as a sign of weakness which equates to an ineffective leader. The GOP will not tolerate anything short of perfection from President Obama. We all know perfection is not likely to prevail in an imperfect world. Despite the latter, the expectations will be high and margin for error will be narrow.

From an economic standpoint expectations will largely depend on how well individuals are handling these tough economic times. For the masses who are suffering from job loss, foreclosures, and lack of income they would likely expect and want President Obama to succeed. In their eyes he provides the light of hope that clearly contrasts the darkness former President Bush bestowed upon the American people during his two terms. Those who are struggling, root for President Obama and hold out optimism that he'll deliver on the change he professed during his campaign.

Those in America who are fortunate to be financially stable enough to succeed during these tough economic times are likely to have lower expectations of President Obama. This is the case because whether he succeeds or not their well-being isn't affected as much when compared to those who currently struggle. Their economic ability to weather the storm and live well will exempt the affluent from having high expectation levels because they'll thrive no matter what.

Another facet is the media. President Obama has steered clear from controversial topics such as racism. Inducing President Obama to engage in a collective discussion about something that will lower his approval rating won't happen. President Obama orchestrated his campain where he ran for president as American and not as an African American: this subliminally exempted himself from the race debate which simultaneously endeared him to the masses. Escaping controversy and being liked has given President Obama an extra-long honeymoon period among those who are being patient with him.

In essence the expectations expected from President Obama will largely depend upon the sector of American society one falls in, their political affiliation, and ones current economic standing.

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