"We can’t thrive as a country any longer by coasting on our reputation, by postponing solutions to every big problem that might involve some pain and by telling ourselves that dramatic new initiatives — like a gasoline tax, national health care or banking reform — are too hard or “off the table.”"
This excitement is for those of the younger crowd to let them have some hope that when they get out of school that they can go and find a job and be able to not financially struggle. He is also speaking to the older crowd that “we” can come out of this slump and things can change for the better. The author tells of past presidents that have been great leaders by what they did during America’s struggling times.
"In the 1930s, the Great Depression enabled Franklin Roosevelt to launch the New Deal and redefine the role of the federal government…These presidencies did more than enact new laws and programs, they rewrote the social contract, and redefined what it means to be a citizen."
Though with these exciting times comes a chance to blunder and not be as good as a leader as several say Obama will be. The author warns that Obama needs to be carful on how he goes about making these changes and tells the audience to be patient because it could longer than some may want to wait. The author is basically arguing that there si a chance for a great leader to be had and for people to be excited but also to be sure to contain the excitement and ride out the storm. Do not think that things will change over night.
