Barack Obama is a novice - and it shows

By Toby Harnden Last Updated: 6:47PM GMT 08 Feb 2009

During last year's epic election campaign, Hillary Clinton said that in the White House "there is no time for on-the-job training". Joe Biden, too, remarked that the presidency was "not something that lends itself to on-the-job training". Both were aiming barbs at their then primary opponent...And the rookie they derided is President.

...In the early days of his presidency, Mr Obama has seemed passive and uncertain.

Governing, as Mr Obama is finding out, is not like an election campaign. Mr Bush's failures will give him some leeway and his transformative appeal remains potent. But making decisions and operating the levers of power is something completely new to him. And it shows.


Read in full: Barack Obama Is A Novice - And It Shows,
Read also: The Cost of “Enabling” Obama