|
Jason Rupp, 38, a software developer, applauded the president's ability to push through health care legislation, but suggested that battle distracted him from efforts to turn around the economy. "I'd like to see him more focused on jobs, said Rupp, who voted for Obama. Obama also has disappointed some in the city's Hispanic community because of what they see as his unwillingness to push immigration reform, said Omar Lopez, the chair of the Chicago Latino Coalition. "They expected him to really bring change and they haven't seen it," he said. There's even a bit of grumbling over Obama's comments about the city's fledgling mayor's race, which is suddenly wide open thanks to Mayor Richard Daley's announcement last month that he won't run for re-election to a seventh term. Some residents didn't appreciate Obama's comments last month that then-chief of staff Emanuel would "be a terrific mayor." "They want to know why he's talking about a local race," said 19th ward commiteeman Matt O'Shea, a supporter of Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, a potential mayoral candidate. At the same time, Chicagoans offer something to Obama that may be in shorter supply in other parts of the country: understanding. "There's a lot of feeling that the one thing that has just made it so much more difficult is the Republican leadership's decision to absolutely dig in and say
'No' to everything," said Dawn Clark Netsch, a prominent Chicago Democrat who once served as state comptroller and ran unsuccessfully for governor. "Obviously (Republicans) want the leadership back and this is one way of getting it," added Bettylu Saltzman, a Democratic donor perhaps best known in the city for predicting to friends, including David Axelrod, that a young man she'd met in 1992 named Barack Obama would be the country's first black president. While many Chicagoans are quick to say they're willing to give Obama more time, that doesn't mean he's not on the clock. "I don't know, we'll see," said Rupp, when asked if he'd vote for Obama again. But, he said, "I'm rooting for him, that's for sure."
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor