Back in the day, CBS News used to do something "instant analysis" of presidential speeches and news conferences. It's funny how revolutionary it was back then-- a panel of correspondents and commentators picking apart what the president said, right after he said it. It's so common today.
So, we're getting a new president tomorrow at noon. Let's take a quick look at the current one, Barack Obama.
Whether or not you agreed with his policies, you can't argue that he is charismatic and likable. Obama has the ability to inspire, and we haven't seen that in a while.
Osama bin Laden was captured and killed on his watch. On the other hand, ISIS flourished. He oversaw a draw down in the middle east, which was a popular move in some circles. It might have been premature.
There were some mass shootings during Obama's eight years. There is an inability to get a handle on violence in this country. I don't know who you blame for that. We can debate the solution, if there is one, for days.
We needed a national health care insurance program. It's up to you to decide if Obamacare is the right one.
Other than Obamacare, he didn't get a lot done. Congress bears some responsibility. There are two ways to look at it. A hostile congress stopped Obama from doing good things, or prevented him from doing bad things. It's up to you.
The economy was in the tank four years ago. It's recovered, but it has been one of the slowest and weakest recoveries in American history.
Immigration, violence by and against police, poverty, crumbling inner cities, race issues... All remain problems.
We won't have the answer to this until long after we're all gone. How will history judge Barack Obama? The instant analysis leans toward good, but not great. Probably middle of the presidential pack.
