I was talking about Obama’s first 100 days with a friend who is a true independent, a retired businessman who is liberal on some things and conservative on others, votes Democratic sometimes and sometimes Republican.

 

“How’s he doing?” I asked.

 

The answer: “Too much on the table.”

 

Those five words sum up the big question now: Is Obama right to push his campaign promises, or does he need to drop everything else and focus – like a laser, as Bill Clinton would say – on fixing the economy?

 

You could see the internal tension at his press conference Wednesday night.

 

For better or for worse, Obama has not forgotten being a candidate. He remembered being 30 points down in Iowa. He remembers what he told people he would do as President. He remarks that he didn’t expect or want to be running banks and car companies.

 

He wanted to change health care, education, environmental policy and foreign policy.

 

But the economic tsunami that hit in September carried him to victory and dominates his Presidency today.

 

So is he trying to do too much?

 

I don’t think so.  If the economy recovers, Obama will be a hero and can get about anything he wants from Congress. He may as well get started on the rest of the agenda.

 

And the course of the economy could be out of his control. A flu pandemic isn’t exactly a global stimulus package.

 

Or global events could help. It looks like the Chinese government’s giant stimulus program is helping American businesses.

 

If the economy tanks, he won’t get anything, anyway. Including reelected.

 

He may as well go for it.

 

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