What gives with conservative cartoonists?

This morning I saw a Newsweek cartoon depicting Barack Obama as Usain Bolt, pulling up to celebrate victory as he broke the finish line labeled "2008"... and seemingly unaware that on the other side of the tape is a rickety, dangerous bridge labled "2009." That surprised me as much as a wire-provided cartoon which showed Obama taking a bow before a roaring crowd. He seems to be unaware of a man the wings weighed down with books labeled "Economy," "War," "Unemployment," etc.
I don't understand why these cartoonists seem to feel that Obama has no idea what he signed up for. He's not some rich buffoon looking for a hobby, someone who thinks running the country might be a lark. He has the full capability, just like so many of his fellow Americans, to comprehend that the United States has been led in the wrong direction.
I really don't understand this criticism. If you can you tell me where it comes from, please post a comment.