I’ll admit being glued to the TV set during the US presidential campaign two years ago. Obama and his message of hope and idealism captivated me and for the first time in my life I felt genuinely interested in politics. The positive tenor of Obama’s campaign and his ideas for transparent government made me believe that politics could be changed not just in Washington but worldwide. “Yes We Can” soon became the battle cry for millions across the world who asked for the same change from their government leaders. The internet was buzzing - 1.23 billion searches on Google for “Yes We Can” surpassed even ”Obama” . In other words, Obama’s message for change had surpassed his popularity or must I say, it became the reason for his popularity.

But after year and a half of Obama’s presidency, I feel disillusioned. I think Obama has lost the opportunity to enable the change he promised and that his supporters voted him for. From immigration reforms to “dont ask, dont tell” policies, it still remains to be seen what Obama can actually get done. Even though Obama’s administration is credited with passing recent healthcare reforms but it is short of its its initial mandate to provide coverage to every American. The final bill was full of backroom deals and special provisions for certain States and companies favoured by lawmakers. What happened to transparecy in politics?

One problem seems to be Obama’s chronic compulsion to debate issues and build consensus instead of leading people through difficult choices. In Washington, it is difficult to build consensus when Republicans and Democrats thrive on scoring political points over each other. Instead of asking the Congress to come up with ideas, Obama should lead from the front. He has the mandate of people of America and arguably the entire world.

People want to be led more than inspired. After 9/11, George Bush didn’t ask the country if we should go to war. Instead he made his decision first and then rallied Americans. We may disagree on Bush’s policies but his leadership during the aftermath of 9/11 is arguably the most decisive and unifying one.

Obama has inspired millions but can he lead? That’s the real question. People are still hungry for a strong leadership.  Rather than relying on lawmakers to introduce sweeping reforms, Obama should lead from the front - with a clear vision and resolve. He shouldn’t second guess on promises he made to Americans. People still want immigration reforms, financial regulations and the wars to end.

In his defence, Obama received a baggage of problems from the economy which was in tatters to two wars in which the enemy seemed to be gaining momentum. But he has the unique opportunity to deliver on the message of hope. If it cannot be done now, then I doubt if people will ever believe that “yes we can”.