US voters' views: Elizabeth Lamasney

As Barack Obama marks one year since he was elected US president, we ask Republican and Democratic voters from across the US to reflect on his performance.

Elizabeth Lamasney Full-time mother | Republican

Obama's re-election in three years depends less on his performance, than whether the deep rifts within the Republican Party can be mended

Age: 35 Lives: Renton, Washington Occupation: Full-time mother Last election voted: Republican In 10 words or fewer: I love husband, kids, home, travel, learning, problem-solving, dogs US voters' views: main page

"I am aghast at Obama's shabby treatment of allies and perceived domestic enemies. I am also still frightened by his naive conciliation toward dictatorships.

Internationally, Obama has gone out of his way to talk to other countries - no matter how unsavoury their governments. But domestically, his administration has been aggressive in pushing through their agenda without seeking broad agreement with other parties.

There is the remote possibility that if he were willing to abandon his stereotypical prejudices against conservatives, he might find a shred of respect for their concerns. Or at the least, be less inclined to see them as outright enemies.

I want to see greater bipartisanship on the key issues of the day. Instead, on issues like health the government seems only interested in pushing its own agenda.

The Obama administration believes only in solving problems through complete socialisation.

Most Americans would like to see reform of healthcare - but not a government take-over. Another example is the stimulus bill. The administration is using stimulus money to gain control over finance and leverage over companies.

My worry is that Obama and his allies believe the more the government gets involved with our lives, the better things will be.

Right now, moderate Republicans face an aggressive and determined Democratic government on the one side, and angry right-wing conservatives on the other.

So Obama's re-election in three years depends less on his performance, than whether the deep rifts within the Republican Party can be mended before the campaign begins."

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The readers' panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider US public opinion.

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