The scenes of Obama at the headquarters for the Red Cross are the result of a president with no other choice but to do his job. His fight for four more years required him to act the part just before voters issue judgment. Luckily, for the president, the necessity is a boon; his rhetoric on the trail is increasingly shrill and unbecoming of the presidency.
This week, he is in command. He is not sounding a partisan tone. He is working well with Republican governor, Chris Christie. He is visibly presenting himself in a presidential light.
So for a few days, Obama plays the politics of presidential leadership. In a close election, stepping up in the waning moment may help Obama with swing voters. But with so little time left, that group is becoming nearly as scarce as instances of Obama’s presidential leadership. By Election Day, most voters will see it for what it is, a façade forced to the surface by a vainglorious pursuit.
