Political Ethical Theory Introduction In 2008 Barack Obama and John McCain competed for the popular vote in order win the presidential election held on November 4, 2008. During the presidential election campaign, the major party candidates ran on a platform of change and reform in Washington. This was because the economy was in such peril and on the edge of recession (Farrell, 2008). Barack Obama was “the idealist outsider who ran on a platform of bringing change to the Washington establishment and giving Americans hope” (Feldman, 2012).
On November 4, 2008 Barack Obama received the popular vote of 66,882,230. This paper will discuss ethical theories Barack Obama has displayed as president of the United States (U. S). . The indivisual President Obama’s presidential platform and campaign slogan “change we need” should have prepped Americans for numerous proposed changes in the direction and the tone of the country. Changes, of course run the risk of rejection because everyone will not be happy.
However, what is best for most more than likely is not going to make everyone happy. The governing philosophy of the Obama administration portrays the ideas and principals utilitarianism. After hearing President Obamas first speech, he has voiced not only what change’s we need but also why. The why is always what’s best for the citizens of the U. S, and the people are the country. His actions have not always rallied for what he believes, but in the end has always benefited the greater good for the country.
Specific issues For example, the corporate bailouts, at the time Senator Obama chastised Wall Street executives for accepting 20 billion in bonuses, at a time when most institutions were teetering on collapse. “They are asking for taxpayers to help sustain them, when they are not willing to do the same when they are having financial difficulty” (James, 2009 page 2). Obama said “This plan is not perfect. Democrats and Republicans in Congress have egitimate concerns about it, I know many Americans share those concerns, but it is clear that this is what we must do right now to prevent a crisis from turning into a catastrophe”(Zeleny, 2008). Additional platform issues, such as the health care plan, the capture, and execution of Osama bin Laden these actions also went against what he believed was right however, it was carried out for the greater good of the U. S. Because of the office he holds and his obligations to the U. S, his moral obligations and beliefs have to be based on the individual environment.
In the eyes of many, President Obamas reputation, and actions may be tarnished. Those individuals should determine why they are opposing his efforts to change the operation of Americas Government and the demands for social responsibility for everyone. Not to be overlooked, if you are not rich, to have healthcare for the sick not just the privileged. After the 911 terrorist attacks, Obamas administration sought revenge for the U. S. Surprisingly, being overly questioned and scrutinized when ultimately accomplished for America’s safety. Theory that least fits this person As president of the U.
S, President Obama bears the responsibility of the health and well-being of the nation and our global standing. With that responsibility, every situation cannot be evaluated and carried out only under his moral rules and reasoning. The ethical theory of deontology cannot apply to him because it would interfere with the duties of his job, as he has to have an open mind. The U. S constitution clearly explains that decisions/laws have to go through the House of Representatives and Senate. This is done for feedback, analytical purposes, and the perception of others from their standpoint of moral rules and ethical principals’.
However, there are some decisions a president can make on their own such as, going to war, but the president will more than likely consult with his cabinet of advisors and others before taking drastic actions. The job of presidency is an extremely difficult one, bearing the welfare of billions. As with any person ethical theories are consulted when performing the smallest daily task. Sometimes it can play for the better or worst. No matter the president in office, it is a good idea to have mandatory offices of consultation to ensure multiple inputs.