By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
This week, President Obama brings his 2012 presidential campaign to the capitol city in Wisconsin, just one day removed from his first debate with Mitt Romney. The national electorate will have an opportunity, at last, to size up both candidates side-by-side for the first time.
As we all know, Wisconsin is a battleground state and its 10 electoral votes are essential to ensuring Barack Obama’s chances for reelection. The president is no stranger to Madison, or to the University of Wisconsin for that matter.
Back in February 2008, then U.S. Senator and presidential hopeful Barack Obama came calling to UW-Madison and left an indelible impression. Before a packed house at the Kohl Center, he delivered an awe-inspiring speech, in setting forth his vision for this country.
Detractors of the president are quick to dismiss his considerable oratory skills but, in my opinion, this [criticism] is nothing more sour grapes. Mr. Obama has the rare ability to inspire, captivate and then motivate his audience into action.
This is one of the reasons he is currently making the rounds at various college campuses across the country. Just four years ago, American college students heeded Mr. Obama’s call for change and came out in record numbers. They were engaged; they were motivated; and they were willing to do whatever it took in support of their candidate.
Fast forward to 2012, there is now a bit of concern in the Obama camp that some of the rabid “Obamamania” may have dissipated among college-aged voters. Some of these young voters have become disillusioned over the snail-pace of political change, while others find themselves reeling from the impact of a stagnant economy.
President Obama would be the first to admit that the economy has not rebounded as quickly as he would have liked after the Great Recession of 2008.
Moreover, the president also laments about the obstructionistic mind-set of the GOP, which has thwarted his efforts to put more Americans back to work.
President Obama has accomplished much since assuming office, but there remains so much more to do. In my view, President Obama richly deserves a second term as Chief Executive.
All hail to the Chief.