The Most Significant Aspect of a Second Obama Term.  Even though the first two years of the Obama administration was blessed with control of Congress, and did in fact pass major legislation during that time; it can be argued that the most significant actions taken during this administration have been the executive initiatives it has pursued since the Republicans took control of the House in 2010.  At that time, it would appear obvious that the President gave up on any further legislative accomplishments and began to focus on two things: First, getting himself re-elected, and secondly, implementing his agenda through administrative and executive fiat.

It is during this second half of his term that we have received a very clear picture of the Obama vision for America.   For some, this is a celebration of sorts and a good reason to extend his authority for another four years.   For others, it not only borders on an abuse of executive power but also provides a troubling glimpse into what an unfettered President Obama may try to accomplish in a second term.  Unfettered?  Yes, unfettered by the concern of standing for another election and having to trifle with the representatives elected by the people and, for that matter, by the people themselves.  It would present to him an opportunity to work the vision that he is so very sure of into reality.  As convinced as he is that he is the best candidate for president, he is far more confident that he alone has the clarity of sight and the benefit of extraordinary wisdom to shepherd this country to the place it should be. 

Regardless of who we elect as our next president, it is essentially guaranteed that the House will remain in the hands of the Republicans.  The Senate will either remain under Democratic control clearly or by default due to a pair of Independents who caucus with the Democrats.  If the Republicans were to gain control of the Senate, it will only be legislatively relevant if they also gain control of the White House.  If they achieve majority Senate status and lose the White House, we will essentially have the same environment of stalemate that currently exists.  On the other hand, a Republican sweep of both the White House and the Senate will indeed usher in a term of significant change in this country’s leadership and, quite likely, in its policy direction.

So it would seem that come January of 2013, we as a nation will be heading down a very different road.  Either we will have a new Republican philosophy implemented that essentially wipes the slate clean and begins anew…or…we will have an emboldened Obama administration that will test as never before the ability of the Executive branch of government to exert its influence over the way this nation does business.  Is it any wonder that our economy is reflecting uncertainly about what tomorrow holds?