KT

NYC

May 30th, 2010

11:03 am

I'm getting a little sick of the line that Obama is "aloof." Having spent many years in academia, I recognize Obama's temperament, and can assure you that Barack Obama is neither "aloof" nor unemotional. He merely approaches problem-solving intellectually, not viscerally. Most of my friends do the same, and none of us could fairly be described bas "aloof" or "cold"; on the contrary, we are rather engaged and, at times, passionate about the things in which be believe. We just don't beat our breasts and weep. More power to her, but I'm not Oprah.

The difference between President Obama and most analytical types is that he is both a good empathizer and a natural orator. Therefore, he is able to channel his ideas into inspiring speeches. Yet even in those speeches, you can see his mind at work. Indeed, it is seeing that excellent mind at work that convinced me to vote for him, and assures me now that he will find a way out of this BP mess.

As for the mess: in plain English, there is a big, big hole gushing oil, really, really deep in the ocean, and no known technology that can plug it up. Obama and his administration are working steadily through BP and the oil industry -- which have access to the cutting edge technology, such as it is and isn't -- to find a solution to the problem. Then we will take whoever at BP caused this mess and indict his or her butt.

The President has also repeatedly expressed his view that what is happening is unforgivable, horrible and a national tragedy. What else do you expect him to do? Publicly appeal to the Delphi Oracle? (Although I like the idea of offering up a few right-wing commentators as human sacrifices.)