The author, Thomas L. Friedman, is an accomplished writer with an extensive background in foreign affairs. This article, however, deals with the current state of the United States with the election of, in his own words, a "Black Man". Which he uses to show that the US has moved past the racial identification and is focused more on the important characteristics of a president. Such as, the ability to lead the country out of its present economical state and into a new, re energized economical standpoint. He points out that we (the American people) need a "radical" in the White House so that change can happen. I do agree that change needs to happen, and that it will require a different type of politician to lead the way. The situation that currently faces the US, is one that has the potential to be an obstacle or an opportunity. Friedman uses the phrase, "swing for the fences", which I think is a great way to look at this as an opportunity, so long as the details aren't overlooked. A batter can swing for the fences, but if he is not in the batters box, then he will surely strike out. In other words, having a plan to overcome this is great, but let us not forget the small details that will make or break the economical structure. I feel that just throwing money at the failing business will only delay the collapse, mainly because the root problem will not be corrected with large amounts of money.
The author, I believe, is trying to point out that our new president seems to have the ability, and desire, to change our current situation, and will not just try to coast through it. Friedman has projected his optimism onto a general audience through the New York Times. But, ironically, I have to wonder how much of this present predicament has been worsened by the constant negativity from the press in order to increase their own income.
