Editorial

First tests

Barack Obama is a few days away from assuming what must be the toughest job in America. He has not been spared from battles, early on. Some say the magic from the campaign is fizzling out, and given the situation his country and the world is facing, the honeymoon could be brief.

First, Mr. Obama has had to prove he had no dealings whatsoever with the governor of his home state, charged with auctioning off his vacated Senate seat—and brazenly at that.

The President-elect has had to defend his choices for his cabinet. A centrist approach and propensity to appoint White House old-timers has sent some people wary that their much-idealized hero was beginning to compromise. But Obama stands by his appointments—yes, Tim Geithner may have had tax lapses amounting to $34,000, and such is a source of embarrassment, but he would still make a good treasury secretary. These nominees are now being grilled by lawmakers for confirmation.

Even his choice of author (and anti-gay pastor) Rick Warren for the invocation during Tuesday’s inauguration has triggered protests and petitions.

Obama was criticized for not talking enough about the conflict in Gaza; in response, he said he would talk about the Middle East at greater length once he was actually President. And yes, the detention center at Guantanamo Bay would still be closed—but it won’t be as immediate as he had promised during his campaign.

Still what seemed to be the toughest first hurdle for Obama was his pitch for access to the remaining $350 billion of a bailout fund approved by Congress. Senate Republicans and even Democrats did not seem to agree with Obama’s agenda to use a substantial portion of the fund “for a sweeping effort to address the foreclosure crisis.” Obama had vowed to veto any resolution denying him access. Of course, all this is moot now, after the Senate did agree —some reluctantly—to the would-be President’s plans.

Obama has consistently vowed to effect real change; his victory is attributed to this basic platform. As he begins his new job next week, there will be more disagreements and more criticism. There will also be more opportunities to do things differently to achieve better results.

The new leader appears open to these possibilities. Only history, of course, will be the judge. But for now, a vigilant world will watch it unfold.