http://www.uclick.com/client/nyt/gm/
While Obama has proved to be quite the icon, he's also proved to be one who is not certain on where he stands. In Glenn McCoy's comic, he illustrates "Senator Obama" as being present for the issues that need to be addressed but "President Obama" as being absent for the important issues. Both pictures are compared side by side, one showing a simple office, the other illustrating the infamous Oval Office. This is made to represent that the problems that the state level are not nearly as crucial as the ones on the national level. On Obama's desk, there is a picture of a tik-tac-toe board emphasizing that even though Obama is present physically, he isn't mentally. He would rather engage in a game of tic-tak-toe than have to worry about discussing important issues. In the picture to the right there's a chart that shows how debt has gone up. Obama is not present in the picture on the right, and this emphasizes that he has not been around physically or mentally while the national debt rate has risen. What makes Glenn McCoy's comic so amusing is how Obama is drawn though. Everything about him is disproportionate (i.e. his ears are huge compared to his stick like arms). He's made to look ignorant and stupid which is how many people perceive Obama to be right now.
McCoy uses the technique of caricature to emphasize how naive Obama has been. By over exaggerating Obama's physical features, it shows that he has not been taken seriously. Even at the state level, he can't be perceived as a good leader. McCoy also uses Labeling to catch his reader's attention by showing them what Obama has not been: present. McCoy clearly bolds the word 'Absent' and 'Debt' forcing the reader to associate those words with him. Over the past few years, Obama has tried to take care of the debt crisis but has managed to show people how inexperienced he is instead. Officially, the recession is over but many Americans are still feeling the fall out and are looking to Obama to help fix that problem. This cartoon illustrates that Obama has moved past this issue causing many Americans to question his stance on important issues. Does he really have a stance on critical issues or is he just trying avoid making a decision all together?
McCoy obviously wants Obama to show the people that he is capable of being a leader and take a stance on important issues like the Debt Rate. For the last few months, Obama has shown the people his weaknesses and how he could easily be replaced next year.No one wants the Debt or Unemployment rate to keep climbing due to a leader who refuses to make decisions. It is important for Obama to continue to be engaged in what's going on and how it effects this nation. The citizens need guidance in order to get out of their current situation. Obama though, has neglected to give them guidance. McCoy probably sees Obama as not a very good president and would like him to address the issues at hand rather than avoid them due to his own interests. It's probably safe to say though that McCoy is a conservative and is looking for a change in office. And if Obama continues to be as active in the issues as he is now, there will probably be a shake-up in office.
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