There can be little doubt that Mr Obama is a lucky candidate. This time four years ago, John McCain reminded everyone of his advancing age and dubious health by selecting a running mate who thought Africa was a country. After the financial meltdown, Mr McCain then made the rash error of calling for a suspension of the campaign. Mr Romney is on the verge of a similar fate. ….
The opposite applies to the times in which he has governed. With the big exception of healthcare reform, the 2008 crisis left most of Mr Obama’s more vaunted hopes on the cutting room floor.
Recessions are not a good time to try things like post-partisanship, carbon pricing or immigration reform. Here Mr Obama’s bad luck may also persist. Should he win, he will hit an instant maelstrom on Capitol Hill that could strangle America’s insipid recovery and once more ruin prospects for serious legislation.
Edward Luce, “Obama will need more than luck“, Financial Times, 1 October 2012.
