Few people can understand how hard it is to be the executive leader of one of the most powerful countries in the world. The power seems awesome--but the pressure definitely isn't. When you take a step back from politics, it's easy to see how ridiculous our expectations of the president have become. They must be powerful, but not overreaching; caring, but not controlling; confident, but not arrogant; dispassionate, but decisive. They have to embody the opinions of the "common man" and yet remain a superhuman figure in the eyes of the country.
How many would like their lives and decisions offered up to as much scrutiny as the President suffers? To have every action second-guessed by the people who are supposed to support you? To be attacked for every tiny mistake?
Perhaps the president is supposed to be great, but let's face it: nobody is perfect. When we accept a human as a leader, we must accept their imperfection. We can look back in the past and pinpoint all the decisions that led to disastrous consequences; hindsight is 20/20. In the moment, each and every man chose the path they believed to be right.
This in no way means I condone our current president's actions, but just try to feel a bit of sympathy. Regardless of your political philosophy, being president is hard, and President Obama has a lot to deal with.
Remember this, next time you feel tempted to criticize him for a speech or a bill.
Happy Presidents' Day.
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