In this Q&A, H.W. Brands, the Dickson Allen Anderson Centennial Professor of History, discusses what President Obama could learn from Franklin Roosevelt’s legacy, and why successful presidents must be a half-step –- not a full step –- ahead of the times.
Arts & Humanities - Presidential Politics 
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Why timing is everything for a successful president
By Jessica Sinn
Jessica Sinn
Published: Oct. 20, 2010
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In the last few months I think that President Obama has progressed in his ability to motivate people emotionally. He is no longer talking deficits and balanced budgets or trying to work with republicans. That didn't work out to well at all. He is now on a populist playing field - jobs, jobs, jobs and you can feel the enthusiasm growing as he hits his stride. The man actually learns from his mistakes.
I don't know that Obama is "too far ahead" of his time. It seems he often is citing (especially in the debt ceiling debate) the will of the people--through polls--and trying to work with that.