Deportation Stay Order

The reaction to this presidential order, bypassing Congress, is mixed. Of course, many feel it was a political move in an election year. Others say the order is overdue — should have happened years ago.

Those who view it as political say President Obama is taking a risk in this issue but add that he is running out of options since the economy fix hasn’t happened and the rest of his record doesn’t give him much to run on in seeking a second term. His order delighted many Hispanic voters who usually vote Democrat. He probably has strengthened his position with them.

This move does add to actions taken by the president in bypassing Congress and using his executive powers in making it easier for gays and lesbians to marry, women to obtain birth control and opening the closet door for gays in the military. A Republican spokesperson said Obama’s deportation stop order for some illegal immigrants is more of his pandering, “patently political and self-serving.”

The decision by Obama does enforce the feeling many people have that the president governs geared to being re-elected. However, the economy is on the minds of most voters. Many of the actions he has taken are aimed at people who probably would support him anyway. Is he fearful he is losing ground with them and must shore up his support?

In the meantime, political eyes are focused on the U.S. Supreme Court, which could make its decision on Obamacare any day. These are anxious days for the president and all Americans. Coming in an election year makes the decision even more critical. We await the reactions to the decision.