Washington, DC
On or around 17 October, the United States will stop paying its bills. The US Treasury will reach the limit of the debt it can legally issue — the ‘debt ceiling’ — and unless Barack Obama and Republicans in the House of Representatives come to an agreement, the US will stand on the brink of default. How did Obama get us into this mess? More importantly, can he get us out before the country (if not the world) plummets into crisis? The answer to the first question might surprise you: Obama is not an adroit politician. Good at winning votes, yes — not only better than the Republicans he faced in 2008 and last year, but better than Bill Clinton and either of the Bushes. Obama is the first President since Ronald Reagan to win outright popular majorities at two elections. Actually governing, on the other hand, is another matter. He had not the slightest experience with that before becoming President, and after five years’ on-the-job training, he’s still no good at it.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in