An electoral mandate as defined by WikiAnswer.com is the perception that the voters strongly support the president's character and policies. It can be a powerful symbol in politics. I think that this is a perfect representation of what an electoral mandate is. So, yes, Barack Obama had an electoral mandate.
We, the people gave Obama the authority, or mandate to do an assignment, or perform a task, meaning the presidency. I don't think that it is a question as to the popularity of Barack Obama then, or now for that matter. He has been the charismatic man that everyone believes will change Americas situation around. Never before had so many people from so many different walks of life come out to support one man. There were even reports of Barack being the most popular candidate ever in Germany. And why wouldn't they. He was what the people needed in the situation that we were in. It didn't, and still doesn't hurt that he can, as the say, talk a pig pout of a corn field.
His policies an ideas on health care, education, the war in Iraq, to name a few, were popular. He gained support from different groups with each platform he uncovered.
The results of the election were known before the polls ever opened. There was no doubt, from any side, that Barack was going to be the next president. Popularity polls showed his mile lead, and there really was no dirt on this guy. Weird!!! So yes, he had an electoral mandate.
In the past few months we are seeing his popularity drop a bit but it is known by most Americans that his situation, the economy, is inherited. I believe that he will continue to have the support of the people and his electoral mandate as long as he continues to try to full fill his promises, unlike so many before him. His level of transparency is higher then in past presidencies which also makes it easier for people to stomach the things that are happening. While things have polarized a bit with his approval ratings at about 56% (Rasmussen Reports ) he is till doing well.
If things do not start to look better it is possible that he may loose his mandate. If he is just talk and no walk we will see though it soon. Until then I consider his mandate very real and strong. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
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It is difficult to preach patience at times, particularly when we are all affected in some fashion by the present state of the economy. We as a people generally crave instant gratification, and demand results regardless of how unrealistic the request may be. Obama's approval ratings were bound to slide a bit, as they had no where to go but down. He has been in office for less than three months, so it is somewhat absurd to even be considering these numbers at this point.
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