President Obama went full dad-mode Tuesday night. He examined his accomplishments, thanked and praised his supporters, and then lectured all of us to do as he says and not as he does.
In the 53-minute production, we were treated to poetic and hopeful rhetoric delivered in the cadence we’ve come to expect. But the anticipated speech quickly became a lecture on how Americans should behave without him.
Yes, there is division. And yes, we should be able to disagree in an agreeable way. But what he asked of us does not mimic his approach of the past eight years.
Obama said a lot in 53 minutes, but what I heard was: “Do as I say, not as I do.”
(President-elect Trump received this same bit of advice a few weeks ago.)
Obama spoke about a “common purpose,” reminded us that democracy isn’t about “uniformity,” and encouraged agreeable disagreement. All of this is praiseworthy advice, unless you consider the tone of his leadership for the past eight years: more executive orders, less group hugs.
Fortunately for Obama, he’s a great public speaker. So don’t misunderstand, there was good in his performance.
He’s always known how to give a good speech, especially from a teleprompter. He had sweet words for his daughters: “Of all that I have done in my life, I’m most proud to be your dad.” And for his “brother,” Vice President Joe Biden: “You were the first decision I made as a nominee and it was the best.”
Obama also gave a well-deserved shout-out to his staff as he thanked them for all the work they’ve done. Sharing some props: that’s a move we can all support.
Away from Washington, D.C. and in front of a large audience, Obama delivered. A less important note? He’s a pretty crier (Take a hint, John Boehner).
With a nod and a wink to “see you later,” he ended with a call to “lace up your shoes” and “get your clipboard,” as if he’d be right there with us, returning home every night to his new digs in Washington. (But maybe also committing to those paid public speech invites.)
If we get more Obama, I hope he practices what he preached last night: Talk to, rather than vilify, those you disagree with. Regardless, there’s a real fear Dad Obama may send us to our rooms to think about what we’ve done if we don’t fall in line.
Beverly Hallberg is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. She is president of District Media Group. Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions.
