Reconcile the Image with the Actions

In a recent CNN article, Penn Jillette, the comedian/magician from Las Vegas, made a few very interesting remarks, and I quote:

"President Obama is so damn smart. He just drips smart. He clearly understands stuff that we could never understand. He's trustworthy. If Obama were teaching fire-eating, we would all learn fast. If he told you that the burns would be minor and the fire would go out when you closed your mouth, you'd believe him. If I weren't twice his weight, I'd fall back with my eyes closed into his caring arms in one of those cheesy '70s church trust exercises. He could talk me into anything.
Obama tells us that we can spend our way out of debt. He tells us that even though the government had control over the banks and did nothing to stop the bad that's going on, if we give them more control over more other bank-like things, then they can make sure bad stuff doesn't happen ever again. He says we can get out of all those big wars President Bush caused by sending more troops into Afghanistan. And I don't know. I really don't know."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/01/jillette.skid/index.html

It seems to me that there are a number of people struggling, much like Mr. Jillette, to reconcile their love of President Obama with the actions his administration is taking. This leaves many very hopeful and patriotic voters in a tough spot. Should they just believe and hope, can they do that AND disagree in any way?

Politics aren't fair, and President Obama should certainly be given some grace when it comes to the mess he has found himself in. The hope he has managed to invigorate is intoxicating, and I admit to wanting it to be enough. And maybe it can be. But we cannot afford to let the White House go unchallenged during these times. We will all benefit from vigorous debate and strong ideals.

So sit back, do your best not to be offended, and get in the fight. We need the fight. We're worth it. And for me, I'm fighting for a much smaller budget, less government, and less entitlements. Free individuals and free markets require the freedom to fight over this stuff.