by C. L. Craven

Created on: August 29, 2009   Last Updated: August 30, 2009

With each presidency, in retrospect, one tends to take an overall view of how successful our governing bodies have served. At best, one can hope for improvements based upon how well the economy rests and the benefits to the American people. During a presidential term, the highs and lows are more evident when the economy is faltering with little or no progress on the horizon.

However, if one takes a more objective view regarding the initial state of the economy when a president is elected and the diligence with which a democratic body works to improve the issues at hand, health care reform would be viewed as just another hurdle that each and every president in the last few decades has had to address.

In the process of reform, time is the enemy when the polls reflect the success or failure of an elected official based upon their ability or inability to improve and pass bills in the Senate. President Obama's efforts will be measured according to his successes and failures. Healthcare reform will remain in the forefront of Obama's presidency because the time for reform is past due.

Healthcare reform should have been at the forefront in the Bush camp, to continue Senator Hilliary Clinton's previous diligence on the issue, but as time marches forward, priorities change based upon governing bodies and more relevant issues.

If President Obama emerges victorious on the health care issue, then his presidency will be considered a successful one because of the overwhelming demand for health care reform by the American people. Health care reform, the war in Iraq and the economy are the biggest issues that will affect President Obama's popularity in the polls.

Change and reform are at the front door on these issues. As improvements become evident, Obama's popularity will increase. Without progress there is stagnation and as a people, we grow weary without progress.

The issues that were addressed and the promises made during Obama's campaign, still linger in the air awaiting a strong wind to carry them home, but with a little help from the powers that be and patience on the part of the American people, change will come, as it always does and perhaps, for the better.

One can hope for progress on the ever looming issues, but visible improvements affect attitudes and opinions in the end and will determine the success or failure of a president.

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