Obama made a promise to be different. He was connected; he utilized social media and creative advertising to reach out to a broad audience. He was smart, after all, he is a Harvard grad. Most of all, he was warm, likable in the words best sense. Obama, a confident face, was chosen to represent America and as it turns out, this may have been his downfall.This article, published on Vanity Fair by Todd Purdum provided an interesting take on how Obama's ability as president was hindered by his individualist position. It provoked thought and reflection through the use of harsh comparisons, understanding analysis and stone cold evidence.
Through the use of comparison, Purdum pokes holes in Obama's behaviors. He pits the idealized version of president Obama and everything that he seemed to be against what he actually is. At the going away party for a major campaign aide, Obama, says the author, "Spoke warmly, even emotionally." It seemed in this instance that maybe Obama wasn't as detached as we think. The next sentence however, seems to prove this wrong. It states, "He made his way quickly around a living room full of Cabinet members, other aides, and off-duty reporters, grasping each proffered hand with a single, relentless, repeated greeting: “Gotta go.” Obama, when presented with a great opportunity to socialize and schmooze with his coworkers, couldn't be bothered. He was aloof, maybe even a tad standoffish. This comparison shatters the fragile, rose colored glass with which most view the president, supporting the author's point.
The author makes it a point to not place all of the blame on Obama however; he uses analysis and evidence to strengthen his argument while keeping his tone in check. This reflects the level-headed style of the author and keeps his point valid for consideration. If Purdum blamed Obama for being disconnected and simply criticized him repeatedly, the article would be harsh and bias-seeming, making it less credible. However, the author is able to appeal to the lighter side of his analysis. He explains that Obama's seemingly disconnected behavior may simply be part of his nature as the man has always been alone. In explaining that Obama comes by his behavior honestly, the author reflects an understanding of our president on a deeper level. He also explains that Obama is not the first (or the last) president who will act in this way. Purdum shows here not only an understanding of political history, but of the role of president itself and the common effects on its holders.
Through carefully worded analysis, harsh comparison and strong evidence, Todd Purdum is able to craft a strong analysis of Obama as a president. He shows that the isolation of the elected president has an affect on MANY presidents in addition to Obama, uncovering the true nature of presidential office using Obama as an example.
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