"In classic management theory, Barack Obama would have to be described as an abdicative manager. The abdicative manager evidences a tendency to flee from responsibility and is frequently encountered in situations where he or she never wanted the job in the first place (for instance, a son or daughter who inherits a company or the individual who discovers that they are incapable of adequate performance). Abdication can be exhibited in a variety of ways, ranging from physically removing oneself through travel (the confusion of movement with action), to obsessing about personal interests or a limited range of controllable subjects. Obama's frequent vacations and absences, especially in times of crisis, coupled with his unwillingness to personally invest himself in key initiatives, are demonstrative of this style. An excellent example occurred after passage of the healthcare initiative. Having ceded authority in what would later be described as his key achievement to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, he watched as they forced the bill through under a manufactured emergency that precluded lawmakers from having time to read it. He then went on a four-day vacation before signing it. "

From Syria to domestic concerns, President Obama has been avoiding decisions. He does not seem comfortable with the duties of the job. Furthermore, he came in without experience but has not grown in the job.

Let's compare him to President Bush.

The Bush administration spent much of 2002 and into 2003 preparing the country for the Iraq War. He went to the UN and listed one by one all of the resolutions that Saddam had violated. He went to Congress and we had a war debate. He went back to the UN and had the inspectors returned to Iraq.

By March 2003, the country was informed and supported the invasion.

Has President Obama spoken about Syria? Did he prepare his administration for the possibility that Syria could cross the line that he drew?

Frank is right. This is "an abdicative manager." This is why he faces so many difficulties in Syria and so many places.

P.S. Check out my chat with Frank Burke on Friday.



