Love him or hate him, it’s hard to deny President Barack Obama’s ability to captivate an audience.
Wednesday night Obama made a guest appearance on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show,” opening himself up to a volley of questions from the host. “The Daily Show” is known for its left-leaning tendencies, but Stewart has not shied away from criticizing the current president during his tenure — or on last night’s show.
And while the issues are certainly relevant at this juncture in election season, Obama’s interview on the Comedy Central program goes well beyond responding to Stewart’s criticism of health care legislation.
Obama is the first sitting president to appear on the show, which is just one example of how he has turned the presidency from an office shrouded in secrecy to one that is there for the public to see.
You may not agree with the president’s politics (it wouldn’t be surprising, considering just over half of those recently surveyed by Rasmussen Reports disapprove of Obama), but he is a president reaching out to the American people. Many of them may be slapping his hand away, but it’s not because he’s holed up in the Oval Office with his ears plugged.
Compared to recent past presidents, Obama has made the effort to put his persona — his brand, if you will — out among the American people while being president. He’s doing it in a way that capitalizes on the technology and youth of today.
We’re fairly positive that Obama doesn’t personally update his Twitter account every three hours, but it doesn’t change the fact that millions can follow his steps with the click of a mouse. Not all presidents head out with cameras and NBC’s Brian Williams to Five Guys Burger and Fries to pick up food for their staffs. And it’s not every politician who is willing to open themselves up for questions on popular television shows.
Ignoring politics, Obama’s everything a 2010 president should be. He’s taking the tradition of FDR’s radio “fireside chats” and bringing them to the 21st century. Use of popular media isn’t something to be shrugged off.
Obama is the target of numerous politically charged attacks — astounding numbers are still unsure of whether he is even a citizen — but that hasn’t changed his dedication to visibility. Even with such staunch criticism, he has continued to be a public face. He hasn’t shirked away from the spotlight.
And he’s had a real effect on people — especially the youth of America. Obama has played a role in making it trendy to be political, to find a way to do something instead of just “sticking it to the man.” This goes for supporters and dissenters alike. You could hate Obama and everything he advocates, but that dislike just might have helped you to push for your own ideas.
You could argue that his aim in “being among the masses” is purely political (or a way to stem the hemorrhaging Democratic party during midterm elections) — and it probably is. Then again, what politician isn’t concerned with poll numbers and gaining popularity?
But we appreciate Obama’s willingness to be out there and to accept our scrutiny, and for giving us some things to chuckle at on Comedy Central.
