When I voted for President Obama, I wanted a hardcore liberal. So far, I have yet to see one.

I wanted Obama to fight for the change he called for during the campaign and win. During his first term, some of that happened, but not nearly as much as I had hoped. Obama pushed the Affordable Care Act through Congress, but I want more out of health care. While the Act does have its merits (such as, being covered by your parents’ plan until you’re 26 and zero copay birth control), the marketplace aspect of the law is not what I was looking for.

Why don’t we have a health system like Canada – where citizens always have access to decent health care? Everyone is covered under the government, and no one is denied because of medical history or income. Socialized medicine is not a big, scary government scheme to take people’s money. It’s there to help you. (Yes, there is the question of funding, but that’s a topic for another post.)

After the 2012 election, I looked forward to more progressive policies from the President. Because Obama would not have to worry about re-election, I figured he had less to lose. But, once again, I am disappointed.
He still has yet to shut down Guantanamo Bay, which was a 2008 campaign promise. He has stated that something needs to be done about gun control in this country, but I have yet to hear about a plan of action. And while the President did publicly announce his support for the legalization of gay marriage, he has taken no steps toward making that a reality.

In the 2014 State of the Union, Obama rehashed policies he supports, while offering nothing too radical. He played it safe, and that’s not energizing or exciting.

Yes, he did directly challenge Congress a few times in his speech, but none of it was especially memorable. He asked Republicans to produce a health care plan that they would be satisfied with, and told Congress to move past their ideological polarization and finally work together. These two suggestions are nothing new.

I want a president who is not afraid to say what he needs to say, and do what he needs to do. I want a president who charges head first into battle for the issues that he cares about – regardless of polling data or the grumbling opposition. I want a president who will stand up for the American people.

During the State of the Union, Obama said, “America does not stand still and neither will I.”

Well, show us, Mr. President.