'Everything is worse'

Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina, has told CNN's State of the Nation that "the reason people have little conference in President Obama's policies is they're just not working. Everything is worse." In comparison to what: the last presidency? Graham must be speaking in jest.

And surely, then, Graham mustn't be suggesting that things would be any more favourable under a Republican president; that we would somehow be in a better position under John McCain and his joke-of-a-running-mate. Obama is far from our Messiah and savior, and I'm inclined to believe that most thinking voters were entirely aware of that. The economy may not be running smoothly, as would be considered ideal; we may not have the best outlook on issues like jobs and the deficit – but the president is taking measures to mitigate the damage caused by the previous years' recession and financial hardship. You cannot be so simplistic and absolute in your calculations to conclude, without thought as to the alternatives, that 'everything is worse'.

Obama, despite criticism, has managed to attain the greatest foreign policy trophy of the past decade, in a move that George Bush was unable to make, and a move for which Obama still receives far too little credit. It almost seems like the right would remain unimpressed even if Obama had fired the shot that killed bin Laden. There's simply no pleasing some people. Obama is a reasonable, thoughtful, composed individual. His leadership style is one of measured decision and pensive composure; rather refreshing, don't you think? That's why he still holds my support.