January 4, 2010
During the 2008 presidential campaign, President Obama asked to be judged by the company he keeps. One year into his presidency, those he has surrounded himself with are hardcore leftists.
He talked common ground during the campaign in order to win; he governs from the far left in order to rule.
This is the most liberal president in decades, perhaps in history. At least Franklin Roosevelt knew how to fight a war while he re-made the country's social policy. President Obama cannot - or will not - fight terrorism and his left wing social policies out-Roosevelt Roosevelt.
What can be done? The left-wing Democratic Congress will now try to consolidate their gains. The president will try to position himself closer to the center. The public has an opportunity to render its verdict in the November elections, but first we need to know if Republicans have learned their lesson from the disaster that occurred the last time they were in charge of government. Then we'll know better how to vote.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
