Rhetorician-in-Chief

As our incredibly stubborn recession grinds on, with the U.S. economy expected by most economists to grow at less than a 2.0% annual rate (if at all), the jobs picture remains bleak.

Headed into the Labor Day weekend, we were informed that no jobs were added to the economy in August, and the unemployment rate remains at 9.1%. Other numbers, such as the underemployment rate, the average length of unemployment and the labor participation rate, further underscore the dire situation in which we find ourselves.

Against this bleak backdrop, President Obama is scheduled to address the nation this week, ostensibly to reveal his plan for creating jobs.

This speech is probably one of the most important ones in Mr. Obama's political career. The nation is waiting for him to exhibit leadership, and to provide and promote concrete ideas for putting Americans back to work.

With that in mind, here are some things that I believe the President should not do in the course of delivering this critical address:

(1) Blame the current situation on the previous administration.

(2) Blame the current situation on Wall Street profiteers.

(3) Indicate that there are those who need to "pay their fair share."

(4) Mention the importance of protecting the environment while growing the economy.

(5) Congratulate himself for implementing health care reform (when he should have been focusing on job creation).

(6) Talk about the need for long-term tax reform.

(7) Talk about the need for "responsible" deficit reduction.

(8) Speak petulantly about anyone - from either party - who does not agree with him.

Items #6 and #7, while important, don't really have a place in this week's address. Americans want to hear specific details about what the administration will do now to create jobs. The bigger picture budget discussions are for another day.

With the foregoing list in mind, here's what I predict the President will talk about this week in his address:

(1) The previous administration's culpability in creating the current situation.

(2) The profits that Wall Street has generated even as millions of Americans remain out of work.

(3) The need for some portions of the population to pay their fair share.

(4) The importance of protecting the environment while growing the economy.

(5) The recent reform of health care laws.

(6) The need for long-term tax reform.

(7) The need for "responsible" deficit reduction.

(8) The idea that anyone who opposes him is at best a fool, and at worst, wishes harm upon our nation.

In summary, I fully expect the President to discuss everything that he shouldn't mention.

This is because President Obama simply can't help himself.

He is a self-absorbed idealist, who doesn't possess the skill needed to lead.
Oftentimes, the "smartest guy in the room" is completely useless when bullets start to fly.

In addition, the reason we're not likely to hear any good job creation ideas from the President is that neither he nor his merry band of liberal advisers have any.

Of course, it's probably unfair of me to indict the President's address days before it's even delivered. Perhaps he'll surprise us, and provide something meaningful and insightful.

I'm not holding my breath.