In an interview yesterday with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos President Obama admitted Americans are “not better off” today than we were four years ago.  He added, “I think that what we’ve seen is that we’ve been able to make steady progress to stabilize the economy but the unemployment rate is still way too high.”

When asked if he’s the underdog heading into next year’s election he quickly replied, “Absolutely.  I’m used to being the underdog.  But at the end of the day people are going to ask, ‘Who’s got a vision?'”

Wrong!  Having a vision is one thing.  Being able to carry out that vision is another.  These ‘people’ to which President Obama refers may have asked ‘Who’s got a vision?’ back in 2008 but in 2012 they’re going to ask, ‘Who can implement their vision?’

Elections are not unlike investing.  Often we hear of so-called story stocks – companies that have a nice idea but cannot execute.  Do you like French Fries?  The best fries you’ll ever eat are manufactured by Tasty Fries, Inc.  Do you hate injections?  Would a needle-free injection be to your liking?  Check out the folks at Bioject Medical Technologies, Inc.

Delicious fries and painless injections – sounds like a recipe for success.  Sadly it isn’t.  Both companies are tiny as measured by market capitalization not because they don’t have a vision but because success goes well beyond vision.  Success means having the ability and willingness to execute on that vision.

When we go to the polls in November 2012 it’s important we ask ourselves, “Who can deliver?”  If we believe it’s President Obama then he gets our vote.  That, Mr. President, is the question upon which you should focus.  Can you execute?