The Presidential Honeymoon? ; Already Headed for Divorce

Summary

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I was thinking about what we traditionally call the post presidential election honeymoon, which for President-elect Barack Obama is now in the second week. But what, exactly is meant by the metaphor? As a starting point, I looked up the word in my well worn Oxford English Dictionary, (Vol. V, letter H, page 365, column 3): "The first month after marriage, when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure (Samuel Johnson); originally having no reference to the period of a month, but comparing the mutual affection of newly-married persons to the changing moon which is no sooner full than it begins to wane; now, usually, the holiday spent together by a newly-married couple, before settling down at home."

First of all, who are the parties on the honeymoon? Is it the president and the public, the president and the opposition party, the president and Congress? Is the media supposed to be on the honeymoon? And in what capacity? Are they reporting on the developments of the honeymoon like paparazzi, or are they participants? Is it ethical for journalists to be sweetly "relating" to a politician, or should they stay at arm's length - so to speak? Are we all on the honeymoon together, and is it voluntary or mandatory? I have been on only one honeymoon - with my wife 24 years ago last week. It was very much voluntary, and I didn't need to fake my tender love and devotion.

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Extract

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The Presidential Honeymoon? ; Already Headed for Divorce

But whether as an opinion journalist or as a member of the opposition party, my attitude towards the president-elect is utterly dissimilar to what I experienced on my real honey...

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