These Incredible Insights: "The Dean" On Obama.

These Incredible Times is blessed to have a stable of writers who know well the in-and-outs of American politics. Among them: the "Dean" of the Washington press corps, Carlton Abner. Ninety-one-years-young and recently retired, Carlton still follows politics closely, and I think you'll agree that he hasn't lost a step. Here he offers his thoughts on the president's struggle to pass a national health care plan.



A few months ago the Obama express had unstoppable momentum: his ambitious work projects had just passed Congress, and he still basked in the glow of the landslide that made him the nation's first Italian-American chief executive. Yes, it seemed like the eloquent young Sicilian could do no wrong. But now the president's train is off-track; and some in Washington are wondering if we're watching a replay of the Taft years.

Much of the problem stems from his desire to deliver health insurance to all 170 million Americans. Pensioners have revolted in town hall meetings throughout the 48 states, with some going so far as to compare his proposals with something cooked up by his controversial German counterpart, Adolf Hitler. To add insult to injury, a few rightists even allege that Obama was actually born on the Pacific island of Hawaii, and is therefore constitutionally ineligible to hold his current office. For this swarthy immigrant's son from the southside of Chicago, that last allegation must truly sting.

Perhaps one way for the president to correct his course on health reform is to make himself less of an issue. Certainly, he has supporting players who can add the right kind of help. Vice-President Joe Biden has the kind of rabble-rousing charisma that enlivened many a "Free Silver" rally; if Obama isn't worried about being upstaged, perhaps he could take the lead on health care. The exotic beauty and personal charm of the president's wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, could also be utilized to persuade some members of the Democrats' recalcitrant Southern wing. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - long a heroine to the Suffragist set - could remind female voters that, with the government protecting their husband's health, they'll have less reason to worry, and more time to devote to the various domestic duties they perform so well.

All of this is not to suggest that the president doesn't have powerful assets of his own. He has a commanding voice, and is more at ease in front of a microphone than anyone this side of Fred Allen. He still enjoys vast affection among the young, who practically jitterbugged to the polls to support him last fall. Finally, he has a special rapport with Negroes, who seems to view him as one of their own in a way that even Lincoln might envy.

Combining their talents, will the Obama team slowly win over the mugwumps in Congress? Or will the president have to say "ciao" to his sweeping plan to build an American social-safety net? The history is still to be written.