Obama: a modern liberal

Now that the spectacle of a presidential election is over, the childish mudslinging between Democrats and Republicans has died down and our elected officials have reverted to the less exciting — yet more dignified — ideological rhetoric for which they are known.

It is in that style that President Barack Obama has begun to define modern liberalism.
In Tuesday’s State of the Union address, as well as last month’s second inaugural, the president presented a moderate to slightly left-of-center agenda, touting the importance of recognizing our dependence on each other as well as the necessity for common-sense solutions.

It certainly was a convincing argument.

The theme is investment. While Republicans might categorically label it as reckless spending, Obama sees it for what it is: a way to help industry and reduce dependence on government.

He reminded us that thanks to bipartisan bills that invested in the auto industry and American energy, we are less dependent on foreign cars and foreign oil than we have been in years.

He reminded us that for each dollar spent on the human genome product, $140 was pumped back into the American economy.

He reminded us that investment grows the economy, while austerity never has.

He consistently pointed out that there already is bipartisan agreement on a balanced approach to deficit reduction, plugging the Simpson-Bowles plan.

He appeased the vast majority of Americans by denouncing Congress members for their  “manufactured crises” and continuing brinksmanship.

He finally let us know climate change is on federal radar.

He remarked that other countries’ huge investments in modern education are leaving us behind, and that China’s move to clean energy will come back to haunt us if we don’t step up.

Finally, his emotional request that the nation and Congress finally address the prevention of gun violence was an irresistible and powerful appeal to all American’s common sense.

He made me proud to be an American and a Democrat.

­— sreddiga@indiana.edu