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Politics & Government

Doubt, Uncertainty Set Stage for Obama Address

In anticipation of President Barack Obama's legislative address, community members discuss the Great Recession and how to improve it.

President Barack Obama will lay out a plan to create jobs and grow the economy in front of a joint session of Congress on Thursday, though his larger audience — the American people — is increasingly skeptical of his ability to lead.

In a series of interviews across the Washington metro region, residents shared a wide range of opinions on the matter, though the theme of uncertainty ran throughout.

It starts and ends with employers. Employers are wary of the country’s economic instability and, as a result, many are choosing not to hire.

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“Everyone’s uncertain about the economic future and so businesses are not going to be taking risks and trying to create new jobs,” said Arlington resident Kevin Markham.

In the face of such uncertainty, many feel what America needs more than anything is a strong, self-assured leader in the White House.

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“He needs to be more of a cheerleader than he has been,” said Michael Bediones of Arlington. “A lot of this stuff has to do with perception.”

A recent national survey found that 6 in 10 Americans think Obama is a weaker president than they expected him to be, according to the Los Angeles Times. That doubt is amplified as the Republican nominating contest for their own presidential candidate gets fully under way.

“I think that he needs to grow a set,” said Jeff Domowicz of Oakton. “He’s being pushed around.”

Area residents were divided on the need for government-backed hiring incentives.

“There’s so many problems, but I think number one is too much government,” said Leesburg resident Bob Enzweiler.

And the lack of confidence in the president, and the federal government in general, has spilled into other areas.

Several residents said they knew recent college graduates facing the dual pressures of unemployment and unpaid student loans, and questioned whether higher education can still guarantee economic security.

“You go into law school and college thinking ‘I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing to get a good job,’ ” said law school graduate Catherine Phillips.

“Nowadays, it’s kind of like you’re lucky to have a job anywhere. I think it’s making everybody think twice about education and whether it’s even worth it anymore.”

At the same time, employers complain about the need for a more qualified, reliable workforce.

“Even with the economy down, it’s hard to find good employees,” said Silver Spring resident Bobby Athanasipis, who manages a restaurant.

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