The Treasury Department recently decided not to label China a currency manipulator, contrary to Obama's stance during the presidential campaign.
While diplomatically it is probably the right decision, it illustrates one of the key facts about Obama's rise to the presidency: he would say whatever he thought helpful to win his election.
Contrast that with the actions of Ronald Reagan. After he lost the Republican nomination to Gerald Ford in 1976, Reagan kept his name in front of the public with a weekly radio address in which he discussed key economic and foreign policy matters. When you read his addresses, which he personally wrote, you can see the same ideas and values which Reagan governed by: promotion of free enterprise, limited government, and a strong defense of America's interests in the world.
With Reagan, you knew what you were getting. His views were often unpopular, certainly with the media, but they generally reflected his convictions.
With Obama, like Clinton before him, we have a politician whose policy views are poll-tested and meant to advance his political career. Obama's repeated backtracking on his campaign pledges reflects this.
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