Better to be liked, or respected?

President Obama obviously chooses to be liked, rather than respected, for his job performance during troubling times. So much going on this weekend: leadership needed re. those Haiti flights; disturbing news out of China. The economy, stupid.

But Mr. Likeable had time to joke about where his career will be going in 3, or maybe 7 years. He is who he is, so I can't be upset at somebody who got in way over his head, and now is just trying to stay sane on the job.

Nope, nothing against him. But 10 lashes with a wet noodle for all you adults who should have known better. Elevating an untested, inexperienced politician for the top job in the land (especially coming after 8 years when you think we might have learned a thing or two...) just to make history by electing a biracial man as The First Black President. Shame on those who voted for him out of a likeability feeling ("he reminds me of my son") instead of evaluating from his past how fit he was for the presidential job.

How long will it take now for another Black President (especially a non-light-skinned one, since the liberals are finally copping to their own prejudices in terms of diversity comfortableness) to be elected -- even an obviously more qualified and experienced black person?

The trouble is: as voters, our job is to research and evaluate the candidates' promises before we put them in the job. A 4-year tenure (mabye 8?) is an awfully long time to flounder under a leader who's obviously in it for himself, and who will turn up on top himself no matter where he leads (or neglects to lead) the country in that time.

PR-wise, this president was supposed to be savvy. But I wonder. After Scott Brown's victory, the next appearance I saw him, the President was tie-less. That's a little thing sure. Not many men around me wear a tie regularly, but they're not presidential caliber either; I think Obama was trying to up his popularity via the everyday guy likeability factor.

But Mister? For better or worse, you're the President now. The President of the United States. Please, in public on business, would it kill you to step up to the position and put on a tie, like it's serious and all?

And I'm sure there will be plenty of time later to call ballgames, and participate publicly in the fun stuff, the extras that come with being president. But let's take care of business first -- the country's business that you as top dog are leading? Please, don't take those bailed-out CEOs as examples to emulate, in walking away prosperous yourself while everybody counting on you not to decimate their own futures is sorely disappointed and left holding the bag.

Thanks, and as always, good luck Mr. President. Yes you can. Can try at least, and stop the nonsense "retirement" talk when, for better or worse, there are still 3 years left on your earlier commitment...

Shortly after the second half began, the president was seated between CBS announcers Verne Lundquist and Clark Kellogg. Obama, an avid fan of the sport who often plays pickup games, seemed to impress the pair.

After Obama niftily described a spin move and basket by one player, Kellogg told him he could handle the job of announcing.

"After retirement, I'm coming after your job, Clark," Obama replied. "I'm just letting you know. So you either have three more years or seven more years," he said, referring to the possibility that he might be re-elected to a second term.