You would think America’s first African-American president would have enormous legitimacy. His election was monumental for the world. And whether you are a fan of it or not, he reformed health care where others miserably failed.
But instead, President Barack Obama has to answer questions about his place of birth. And it is still believed by many Americans that he is a Muslim, although that’s repeatedly countered by independent news sources. Many do not define the president by his successes and failures, but with fringe conspiracies. And the media, while eventually debunking mistruths and lies, still add to Obama’s brand issues by giving a clown like Donald Trump 24/7 news coverage on the baseless “birther” issue.
Made gutsy decision
But Obama has got his mojo back. In less than a week, he went from pushing back on Trump to being the guy who made the call to whack Osama bin Laden. He made the gutsy decision to not use drones or bombs on bin Laden’s hideout, and sent in Navy SEALs to bring back the body to prove the demise of al-Qaida’s leader. It was carried out without even the knowledge of the United States’ lukewarm ally Pakistan. Obama is getting most deserving praise from all sides, with even conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh saying, “Thank God for President Obama.”
The successful assassination of bin Laden provides the president momentum globally, and — more importantly for him right now — at home in the United States. This week, for even his foes who embrace the conspiracies, he’s not the guy who may have been born in Kuwait. Obama is our president and our military’s commander in chief and has just demonstrated extraordinary competence.
He’s gotten a boost
While the Washington dialogue will soon switch back to partisan politics, Obama has really gotten a boost. Last week, he was reeling with bad PR. A few days later, he took out bin Laden. Mr. President, you have our attention. If done well, with his duties first, and with sensitivity to the families of 9/11 victims (as demonstrated Thursday in New York City), Obama can take this new momentum and lead the news about how to fix America, including how to continue to make it safe. That’s a better situation for him than where he was in April.
As much of Obama’s brand issues will remain, and many will still believe the conspiracies because they want to, this can be a major turning point for his presidency.
Josh Sommers is president and CEO of Focus Media, a leading Hudson Valley advertising and public relations agency. Josh@advertisingandpr.com or 294-3342, ext. 303. Read his blog at www.advertisingandpr.com.
