President Obama’s First 100 Days

By Laura Knoy on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.

The concept of measuring a president’s first 100 days in office first came about under FDR, who started his presidency by putting forth a sweeping series of economic reforms. Ever since, the American media has used the opening 100 days as its first official measurement of how a president is doing. Recently the founders of Politico complained the 100th day was a poor measurement of presidential success - but didn’t stop them, or anyone else, from running their own 100-day article. We’ll look at President Obama’s first 100 days, his early successes and failures, and whether covering the first 100 days is an effective way to take stock of a presidency.

Guests

  • Wayne Lesperance, associate professor of political science at New England College
  • Dean Spiliotes, New Hampshire-based political analyst and author of NHPoliticalCapital.com
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1st 100 days
Gary Way - Wed, 04/29/2009 - 07:28

President Obama is an inspiration to me. I hope he can make his goals and promises reality- I fear that congress (through strong arm lobbying) will block or water down most of the things we hope for- improving education, civil rights, getting out of Iraq and Afganistan, health care for all and addressing the environment. I'm still hopeful, but it's a lot of change... and there is a lot of opposition

Congress is afraid too
Kevin Flanagan - Wed, 04/29/2009 - 08:35

Senator Specter's defection yesterday from the Republican party is a symptom I think of the legislatures fear in general over their performance.
President Obama's election has stirred things up in the country, and other Reps like John Banner's transparent opposition to the President's goals and endeavors will demonstrate to other reps, both Democratic and Republican, that their opposition is in the public eye more than ever, and it would be wise for them to think out their position before they speak.

An amazing job in an amazing time
Kevin Flanagan - Wed, 04/29/2009 - 07:29

Good Morning Laura,

One exception to the term of 100 days for President Obama is the fact that he started his administration on November 5th, 2008, giving him an extra 50 or 60 days.
Our new President has been the most dynamic man I've seen work in my life so far. I don't know how much of his efforts are motivated by the fact that he is part person of color, but regardless, if it is, that is part of the person he has been since his childhood.

Mr. Obama has motivated my energy in my own life, and motivated my spirits as well. I look forward the rest of his 7+ years in office. It can only get better.

Good luck in today's show and I look forward to hearing you on air.

Sincerely,

Kevin Flanagan
North Conway Online Solutions
http://www.northconway.com

That was the funniest thing
NHPR Listener Ricky V - Wed, 04/29/2009 - 12:25

He is spending the country in to bankruptcy and has weakened our national security. He rewards failure, feels addicts are victims and the hard workers need to pay for their care and supports the brutal practice of late term abortion.