It’s been interesting to see the responses to the comments made by President Barack Obama to Russian President Dmitri Medvedev regarding America’s Missile Defense.

I really don’t think the sky is falling, but the remarks did give the Republicans something to raise money on, so be on the lookout for e-mails from the GOP telling us about “secret plots” by Obama for his second term.  We might even see the GOP send us e-mails saying that Obama will be calling us “comrade” if he wins a second term – and look for the 1984 film “Red Dawn” make a comeback this summer!  Wolverines!!!

According to ABC News, this was what was picked up by microphones:

President Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it’s important for him to give me space.

President Medvedev: Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…

President Obama: This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility.

President Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir.

While this is not a “smoking gun” moment it does give us just a glimpse into the future if Obama is reelected.  Will Obama automatically peg the liberal scale to the left if he wins reelection?  Did we see George W. Bush or Bill Clinton go to extremes after their reelection for a second term?

Obama will have more flexibility if he wins a second term.  Unlike U.S. Senators and Representatives, a President is limited to two four-year terms.  When all the glad-handing, politics, and fundraising takes a back seat, we might actually see something accomplished – at least that is the hope when we give a President another term.

We don’t normally see a Senator or a Representative announce they are not running again until they are a year (or less) out from election.  Why?  It’s because they will be “put out to pasture” by their counterparts.  Their careers and any clout they have will be minimized.  The only thing worse is a Senator or Representative serving out their final days after they have been defeated – it’s a long time between November and January (when the new person is sworn in) after losing an election – it’s a super lame duck moment.

It might be refreshing to actually see an elected official be unencumbered and be their own person for a change.  As I have said before, I expect Barack Obama to win a second term.  Sadly, I don’t expect him to be any different than George W. Bush or Bill Clinton was during years five through eight.

Besides, about a year into Obama’s second term, we’ll start the process of finding his replacement.