Barack Obama
In 2008, Barack Obama wins a smashing electoral victory, largely because the public believes he's a calm, cool adult who can lead the country out of an economic crisis. But for some crazy reason, he decides to focus much of his attention on passing a universal health care plan that has been the long-term dream of his party. This, despite polls that indicate nearly 80% of the public are satisfied with the health care they already have. The plan passes, but it's so complicated, the public isn't sure what's in it (and is wondering why the President hasn't focused similar attention on the economy), and Obama's party is clobbered in the 2010 elections.
