Submitted by: Submitted by mryan6
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Category: English Composition
Date Submitted: 03/27/2013 04:49 PM
Professor Foley
English 101
November 26, 2010
Out-of-Class Paper #2
Columnists have different writing styles and at many times, they have opposing opinions. Typically columnists attack the same topics which can lead to contemplation among readers of which column is more right. David Brooks’ column, “The Next Two Years” and Nicholas Kristof’s column, “Give Obama a Break” are both subjected to talk about their outlook on Obama’s contribution to the country at large. Both columnists come at the topic with supporting details to back up their individual perspectives on the matter.
Obama’s road to recovery was directly mapped out for him in David Brooks’ column, “The Next Two Years.” From Brooks’ perspective Liberals are criticizing Obama by saying that he lacks self-confidence and in order for him to boost his chances of surviving the next election he will have to reestablish himself; Brooks agrees that Obama is close to losing the next election. The four-step road map David Brooks created for Obama to “redefine his identity” is pretty straightforward.
Brooks explains how Obama has to gain back independence by embracing his presidency; he has yet to categorize himself for what he will do to better the country. According to the New York Times and CBS News poll, independent voters are leaning toward Republicans by 20 points. This means he will have to win back the support from moderate, suburban indies since they will be the remaining dispute in whether or not our 2013 president is a Democrat or Republican.
Brooks distinguished the fact that Obama has yet to set a name for himself. From the very beginning he never gave himself a label, as did Bill Clinton did during his presidency. At first this worked out well for him because people made their own assumptions on what he was capable of doing for the country. However as time passed on, it was clear to the people that Obama could not respond to emergencies how he wanted to, but by how he had to.
Obama needs to...