Students’ Reactions to President Obama’s First Year In Office

Almost a year has passed since President Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States of America. For many college students, Obama was the clear choice—a man with a vision of hope and change for our country. Students welcomed Obama with open arms, giving him 66% of the youth vote compared to John McCain, who received less than half that amount.

But how do students feel nearly a year later? Are they still hyped up on Obama-mania, or have they been left wanting more? In order to get an idea, I talked to students across the country to get a variety of perspectives on President Obama and his term in office so far. Students had a lot to say, and touched on a number of issues—here are just a few that came up and how students felt about them.

On the War in Iraq…

Many students are happy that Obama is beginning the bailout in Iraq and felt that this was a move in the right direction.

“I like that he's beginning the bailout of the War in Iraq. I don't believe in war of any kind, and I don't think I ever fully understood why we were there in the first place.” – Elyssa Goodman, Carnegie Mellon University‘10

On Health Care…

Students seemed to have mixed reactions towards Obama’s health care plan. Some liked the idea of socialized health care, whereas others saw problems with the way in which Obama has been handling the healthcare debate.

“It is telling that in the healthcare debate, little known congressmen, like those of the Blue Dog coalition, can control the debate, and that policy can be written primarily by a single senator. Obama should be controlling the conversation, the legislation, and the actions of the senators from his own party.” – Alexander Rudy, Pomona College ‘11

On International Reputation…

One area that many students agreed upon was Obama’s ability to help the U.S’s international reputation, which many students felt needed to be restored after the Bush administration.

“I do think he has done a great job as a diplomat and in improving America's "reputation" in many parts of the world. I know people internationally were excited for Obama which makes diplomacy on our part that much easier.” – Cece Wildeman, Colorado State University ‘11

(Image from ManifestHope.com)

On His Term so far…

Overall, students had mixed reactions to Obama’s term so far. Some students felt that Obama is doing enough, and in some cases, too much, while others felt he could be doing more.

“Obama is spreading his political capital too thin by committing to many issues all at once and by appearing on the news often. The more often he speaks in public, the fewer people pay attention when he has something to say.” - Windsor Hanger, Harvard University ‘10

“People wanted to accept the idea of ‘change’ so much that they didn’t pay attention to the deeper policy changes.” – Trevor Hunnicutt Pomona College ‘10

“I think overall I expected a little bit more from Obama by now, more change like he promised. I thought he would be like this generation's FDR, but he hasn't accomplished that much yet. I guess we'll see.”- Elyssa Goodman, Carnegie Mellon University ‘10

“Obama set out with a rather large agenda. He hasn't exactly been able to stick to that agenda, as he seems to spend a lot of his time using his soaring rhetoric, and little time getting things done.”- Alexander Rudy, Pomona College ‘11

“President Obama has the most difficult job in the world, so I think it’s important to be patient. The change this country needs isn’t going to take place all at once, it’s going to take time.” – Camille Sheffield, Claremont McKenna College ‘10

Overall, it seems that many students have come down from Obama-phoria and have been left wanting more. It is still early in the term though, and only time will tell how Obama will take on his duties as President over his next three years in office.

What’s your take on Obama’s term so far? Let me know by posting a comment!

Sources:

Pew Research Center

Students that provided their opinions:

Elyssa Goodman, Student, Carnegie Mellon University

Windsor Hanger, Student, Harvard University

Trevor Hunnicutt, Student, Pomona College

Alexander Rudy, Student, Pomona College

Camille Sheffield, Student, Claremont McKenna College

Cece Wildeman, Student, Colorado State University