I love you to death. I worked as hard for you in 2008 as is humanly possible and will probably do so in 2012. About a year ago, you gave a speech that wasn't really a State of the Union speech; but sort of like it. You hit it out of the park. In fact you hit a grand slam. The level of hope in this country was extraordinary. Looking back over the past year, that may have been your high point. Since then, many of your decisions have totally baffled me. I'm still with you, but concerned. I know you won't see this, and you get your advice from people far smarter than me; but nevertheless, I want to offer my two cents.
There was a quote from you yesterday that you would rather be a good one term President, than a mediocre two term President. With all due respect, you can be an outstanding two term President, but your first year has been very mediocre.
Here's what my observations lead me to believe. You want to be a bi partisan concensus builder and are trying to please everyone on issues from health care to the two wars. You want to be everything to everyone. Your intentions are admiral; but it cannot be done in this moment in time, in this America.
The people on the right hate you. There is nothing you can do to get them on your side; although you can get open minded Republicans like Colin Powell and others. Stop wasting your time and energy trying to appeal to the Republicans. They don't care about the people of this country. They have one goal and that is to make you a failure. Stop worrying about them.
The moderates are still with you to some extent; but not like they were in 2008. They are confused. You appear to be more concerned about Wall Street and corporations, than everyday people. Like me, they are baffled by your lack of clear message, your unwillingness to fight for what you believe and your apparent decision to take hits, but not return them. You can get them back, but you need to be the guy they voted for in 2008. You need to pass the health care bill that poll after poll show they want; one with some teeth. You need to show your guts.
I believe your base still believes in you, but they are also worried about your heart, soul and guts. It seems like you have missed no chance to slap your base in the face. Why? If it's to appeal to the right, you are losing all ways around.
Sir, you need to keep your base and the moderate independents. You don't have to do anything radical. Just be the guy we worked for. Be bold, confident and have a coherent message. Be Obama! You are only going to be President for either three or seven more years. Please don't waste them. We are unlikely to have a President with your potential again in my lifetime. Please be bold sir, please go with your gut some of the time. Please be the guy we voted for. Your opponents have been calling you names since 2007. You may as well be the guy we want you to be, so maybe you can actually earn their scorn.
Let's call 2009 a mulligan. This is a new year! If you are going to be a one term President; be an outstanding one. If your first term is outstanding, you will have a second outstanding term as well. Be the guy we want to fight for. Please! Fired up and ready to go!