Is Obama 'Fit' Enough To Be Our President?

Is Obama "Fit" Enough To Be Our President?

Listening to a popular talk show on Wednesday the host briefly read an excerpt of an article that had been published by the LA Times earlier that day. After I recuperated from the shock that the LA Times actually printed an article pointing out a problem with Senator Obama, I realized that this wasn’t the first time this issue had been brought up. In the article, ‘Obama Shows Signs Of Being Trail-Weary’ the LA Times inadvertently pointed out the fact that for at least the second time this year Obama is demonstrating an unusually high level of fatigue. The article, which I believe was written to invoke sympathy for the poor campaigner, pointed out that Obama appears to be showing fatigue from the ‘unrelenting attention and prolonged campaigning’.

The article continues by pointing out that Obama previously expressed the effects of campaign stress when he ‘told a customer at an Indiana diner two months ago that he had lost 7 or 8 pounds. He said he was learning to get by on four-to-five hours' sleep.’

Any individual who has followed the presidential race closely over the past months has recognized this noticible difference in the demeanor of Obama. The more lighthearted press interviews of February and March have given away to a candidate who appears to struggle with any question he doesn’t have a clear answer too. During April and May, Obama’s speeches and interviews turned south as non-stop campaigning took it’s toll on the Senator. While campaigning in Oregon, Obama appeared more like a zombie going through the motions during press interviews. Of course, it was during one of these interviews when Obama remarked that he had visited 57 states. His campaign quickly attributed the gaffe to sleep deprivation. Most noticable is the change in Obama’s appearance as his hair now appears to have a strong grey tone. For the LA Times, a publication uncontestedly ‘in the tank’ for Obama, to publish an article pointing out Obama’s fatigue should lead American’s to question whether Obama is “fit” enough to handle the most demanding job in the world.

On the other side of the campaign trail, John McCain has shown frustration towards reporters at times, but has made “recuperative time” a priority of his campaign. Obama supporters will naturally argue that McCain has not yet had to endure the “grueling” campaign schedule of the contested Democratic Primaries. Yet, even that argument does not hold much weight. With the exception of her “Indiana Speech, In April & May, Hillary Clinton appeared to become more energized on the campaign trail as she fed upon the positive support of her voters. Obama, as an alternative appeared lethargic, increasingly irritable, and negative. In recent weeks, outside of a few staged photo ops, how often have we seen Barack Obama crack a smile on the campaign trail? His tone has become pointedly negative, with no positive remarks towards the campaign or the country.

Campaigns are grueling and they can take a toll on a candidate; but they are no match for the stresses and lack of privacy that will ensue as the ‘most powerful leader in the world’. For their part, both Bush Presidents and President Clinton made firm commitments to time management, proper rest, and physical activity. As President’s they understood the necessity of maintaining good mental and physical health. Both Clinton and Bush ended their campaigns with a visible energy and heightened spirits, they appeared to enjoy the campaigns and nearly endless attention. If Obama is struggling with sleep lethargy and the endless media attention now, how is he possibly going to fare when the stakes are much greater than merely winning an election? If he were to be elected to the presidency, he would quickly find himself in the midst of a job with an endless travel schedule and an endless stream of briefings, meetings, and events that begin at 5 AM and tend to last well into the night.

The office of the presidency is the hardest and most thankless job in the world. The media and populus rarely offer praise and most often focus on the most minute details of your statements or life. The President is the LEADER of our nation and as such must possess the most fundamental trait of a sound leader: Time Management. Hillary Clinton and John McCain understand the importance of proper time management. This is the reason why both the Senators, much older than Obama, have appeared more energetic, positive and as though they enjoy campaigning. Anyone who has ever led a management team or organization, worked as a salesperson or in any job that imposes deadlines, or is a stay-at-home Mom understands the mental clarity that comes from proper time management and rest. Time Management is the most important factor in making sound decisions and maitaining proper health. Apparently, Senator Obama has yet to realize the importance of time management; or simply lacks the trait.

The most disturbing aspect of Obama’s handling of the stresses of the campaign is simply the timing. Last time I checked a calendar the election was still 4 months away. June and July are histoically and will always be the most relaxing period of a presidential campaign. In fact, the real campaigning will not even begin until after the conventions. Now is the period of time in which there are fewer appearances, less travel, and lighter schedules; yet even the LA Times has noticed that Obama is not handling this lighter stress.

Obama supporters can use any excuse that they can imagine, but it will not deflect from the issue at hand. Do we really want a President who appears to struggle and who’s health suffers from the mere stresses of a campaign? Do we really want a President who is hopped up on caffeine and nicotine to substitute for his lack a proper rest and time management? Is Barack Obama “Fit” enough to be our President.

J Brown
July 11th, 2008
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