At His Best, Obama Promised

Blending Hard-bitten Realism With Long-view Optimism, Obama Said That Every 20 Or 30 Years Brings A New Cycle Of Pessimism In America.

Obama Does Not Need To Worry As Much As Past Democratic Presidents About Being Labeled Soft On National Security - Not After Giving The Order That Led To The Assassination Of Osama Bin Laden. No, His Biggest Concern Is Being Labeled Tone Deaf On Joblessness And Debt.

Republicans Would Have Preferred The Court Overturn The Health Care Bill, An Act That Would Have Underscored Obama's Biggest Liability - The Perception Among Voters, Including Those Who Like And Trust Him, That He Has Been Ineffective.

In Washington, Compromise Has Become A Dirty Word.

Obama Considers Himself Above Deal-making And Back-slapping, Political Necessities He Often Delegates To Vice President Joe Biden And Other Lesser Sorts.