This was not Barack Obama's best day since being inaugurated last January. Tonight I'm trying to think of how many good--I mean substantive--days he has had. Quite obviously, this hare-brained trip to Copenhagen was a poor use of time; presidents arrive in foreign capitals when the deal is done, to sign the final documents. They don't go to implore. As someone wrote the other day, he needs to finally graduate from candidate to president. We have to see him doing something, ordering an outcome, making something lasting happen. Flying and speech-giving have dried up as revivifying wells of leadership.
Decision Making in the White House is the title of a book JFK's man, Ted Sorenson, wrote during that presidency and I wish Barack Obama would begin enacting its title. Time's a wastin', Mr. President. You won the election nearly a year ago. You are in charge, so take charge. Separate the wheat from the chaff, use your majorities in Congress (Pelosi and Reade couldn't lead ducklings across a country road) to get done what we who elected you want done. Now, this term.
The presidency is more than a starring role for a pop idol; it is an action part in the real world. Sparks must fly, friends be newly inspired, and foes sent reeling. Otherwise, there is no point in even running.
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