President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address this week is critical: What is the state of the union? What is he to tell Congress? He inherited two wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. He inherited an economy in turmoil after the bank and real estate crises. He inherited a climate change challenge with the USA on the side line of the Kyoto treaty. He inherited continued terror threats to mainland USA. He inherited inherent opposition to change of the health care system. So what's a president to do?Obama's situation is much the same as any president in modern times: He inherited challenges from the former presidential period. And he's being critisized no matter what he does. In the minds of Americans, it all boils down to the economy and safety - job creation, a stable income, health care, and security. So all Obama can do is to fight for what he believes in. Fight for change. Fight for security. Fight for the Americans.
Republicans are not letting him off the hook. Paradoxical, really, because he shares values with them. Isn't it odd, that Republicans, often religious, god fearing, good people, with a soft spot when it comes to charity, family values, and security - will agressively fight the political projects of this president? He even bridges over to Republicans on many issues, like security. And he will continue to make that effort in order to create coherence in US politics. The bridge builder - the Pontifex Maximus - will continue to move from disappointment to disappointment towards success with unbeaten enthusiasm. Because it can be done. Obama will reach out to the good nature and soft hearts of Republicans. Because they can be moved. This is the State of The Union.