Democracy Corps, a Left-leaning research firm, found that 55 per cent of Americans think the world "socialist" fittingly describes their president.

By most received definitions, this is absurd. If socialism is a belief that the means of production and distribution should be owned collectively or by central government, then Obama is no more a socialist than Ronald Reagan ever was.

The reason for this apparent aberration may be that interpretations of the term in the US are much broader than in Europe, where there is some experience of socialism. For some Americans, it means anyone who believes in increased state spending.

But if Obama isn't a socialist, what is he? It is strange to report, but after 19 months of living under his presidency, Americans are still not sure. It is a big part of his problem.

In the campaign his identity was clear: he was the agent of change, the anti-Bush, the unifier of red and blue America. In office, there is no handy epithet.

His opponents of course would, and do, call him a socialist bent on hurtling the country towards a Euro-style spendocracy. The Left regards him as a sell-out for failing to close Guantanamo or to support allowing gays to serve openly in the military. Those in the middle are muddled.

Continues at the link above.

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Interesting read.  Two years in and he has not found "his voice" yet?

Unlike the author, I would not say that his identity was clear during campaign. What he did is become whatever the people wanted.

"Hope" and "Change" were the message from Pres.Bill Clinton during his campaign and people thought they were getting the same kind of presidency. Pres.Clinton had more substance and more talent... combined with ability to communicate as well as compromise and work across the aisle.. these factirs actually made his presidency a success... and are missing in the incumbent here.

Two years in, I do not have much hope that this President can "find" his voice.  Voice is not easy to find when you have such a huge issue of communicating your emotions.. so much so that we wonder if the emotions even exist.  Teleprompter becomes noticeable BECAUSE the words and emotions are not gelling.  When they do gel, perhaps he can infuse more of his true emotions and truly 'find' his voice.. but again, not much hope of that happening!

I do agree with the author that the President is yet to learn to lead.  And that is something very difficult to learn.. but very easy to do!!