How will midterm elections effect Obama?

With the continual decline in the economy, the BP catastrophe, and ever-long battle over healthcare reform, Democrats are nervous that Obama may become a one-term president. Democrats current control Congress and the executive branch, but after the upcoming midterm elections Democrats may have to pass the Congressional torch to the GOP. Though Democrats remain scared of this eminent change, Ruben Navarette Jr. argues that Obama could benefit from this change. Ruben wrote a commentary for CNN.com on July 15th entitled "Obama could benefit from GOP takeover." In his commentary, Ruben argues that a switch of political control in the White House could aid in Obama's effort toward change by removing the obstacles of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Ruben Navarrette Jr. is a nationally syndicated columnist, an NPR commentator, and a regular contributor to CNN.com. He produces regular commentary on the Obama administration since the beginning of Obama's term addressing issues important to the Latino community in America. Coming from a Latino background himself, he approaches the issues facing Americans today with fervor for justice and equality. In the commentary, Ruben explains that the public is "disappointed, angry and doubtful" the Obama has what it takes the lead our country. He justifies this claim with a Washington Post-ABC News Poll showing that "nearly six in 10 voters say they lack faith in the president to make the right decisions for the country." Though this is just around half, it is a much greater percent than when Obama first took office.

Ruben also points out that in the midterm election, if Congress does shift to Republican control, then "items that Obama intended to get to in 2011 might not materialize." At the same time, Republicans would have to learn, "it's more fun to be on the side throwing rocks than on the inside having to lead and be accountable to voters." Their accountability is therefore dependent upon them to pass bills and pursue policy with the interest of the country in mind. This could help Obama because the Republicans would have to be more cooperative than they are being now. Obama would have to move his agenda to the front of the table in order for a change to be able to help him stay in office.

His final claim is about Obama's possible post-midterm election ability to find solutions to controversial issues like immigration by working with pro-business Republicans. He argues that Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, who tries to protect "organized labor from having to compete with foreign workers" and House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, who tries to protect "Democratic members from having to take a vote on a controversial issue" are Obama's two biggest obstacles in pushing legislation and avoid being a one-termer.

No matter what happens this election, Obama certainly has a stressful two years ahead of him. With an increase in public criticism and the fighting GOP, he must decide whether to use his efforts to campaign to keep Democratic seats or to embrace the Republican takeover with a strategic stance. Ruben does an excellent job bringing forward big concerns for Obama this year.