The early Republican wins of Sen. Mitch McConnell in Kentucky and Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott in South Carolina are the first indications that Americans are passing judgment on President Barack Obama's policies, says conservative columnist Charles Krauthammer.
"In 2010 we had our first referendum, and he got a 'shellacking,' in his own works. 2010 wasn't so much an election, it was a restraining order, and Obama was restrained, he lost the house, and, as a result, he lost control of his agenda," Krauthammer said Tuesday during Fox News Channel's election night coverage.
"But what we're seeing now is Obamaism in action," Krauthammer said. "In 2010, Obamacare was an aspiration . . . now it's a reality. This is the last time Americans have a chance to render a verdict on the Obama presidency, and it is a negative one."
Former Democratic strategist Bob Beckel countered that the election wasn't a referendum on anything, "but a little bit on Barack Obama."
Obamaism isn't identical with Democratic policy, Krauthammer responded, saying Obama is no Bill Clinton; that is, a center-left politician.
"He's a man who pushes the envelope," Krauthammer said, citing Obamacare, cap-and-trade, overregulation, and "the largest spending bill in U.S. history."
"On that, I think the country is speaking, and I think it shows historically . . . his philosophy of government will be a parenthesis in American history."
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