A New Beginning: What Obama Needs to Do

Below is a list of tips I think Obama needs to take to become an effective leader...

Domestic Policy:

Bi-Partisanship: Obama has said repeatedly during his campaign that he is a different kind of politician. That he is from the post-partisan age of American politics. Now personally, I think he is full of it, yet now he has a chance to prove me wrong. If he tries to govern from the center, let Republicans into the national dialogue and let them have say in some aspects of his initiatives, he’ll receive my respect and support (not full support, but some support).

Economy: Now I’m not as foolish to think that Obama will become a free trader when he is President, yet I’d like him to slide back from his protectionist tendencies and to help forge sufficient trade policies with other nations. This will go a long way in helping our economy grow. Taxes are a tricky issue, and I know he is going to raise them, yet all I ask is for him is to go soft (and to at least wait for the economy to improve first).

New Programs: Sustainability is the key. Nothing more needs to be said.

Deficit: Needs to be reduced, whether that means cutting inefficient programs or spending less, it needs to be done.

International Challenges:

Iraq: If he truly is a man of judgment, he'll make sure Iraq doesn't become a failed state. He has already shown in the past that he doesn't have the will to defend a developing democracy, now he has a chance to change that image. He needs to stick with Iraq and not jeopardize the progress that has been made.

Iran: He must prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. I don’t know whether or not he was serious about his negotiation approaches or whether or not he was throwing out naïve ideas, yet he must prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power. We have an ally that depends on it (i.e. Israel).

Defense: Maintaining an up to date and powerful army should be a priority. Obama has in the past talked of large cuts in our defense, which could lead to a weakening of our military capabilities. Tulips don’t stop extremists or tyrants; hopefully he’ll reverse on this trend (prioritizing is fine, just not serious cuts to our security). Keeping Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense would also be an assist to his administration. When Robert Gates came in after Rumsfeld, he was set a difficult task, yet through determination and a pragmatic vision, he turned the Pentagon into a more efficient place. Listening to people like David Petraeus (and his suggestions) would also help his administration greatly.

Rise of Autocratic Nations: Curbing the spread and rise of autocratic nations should be a priority in his administration. Either through sanctions, containment, or if necessary (warranted they are an immediate threat), military intervention. Governments around the world will be looking at the response Obama will give, let’s hope it’s an image of strength, not timidness.

These are just but a few suggestions; hopefully Obama will follow the path of a great leader, if not…then let us pray.