At his best, Obama promised to work with Republicans to reduce the deficit in a way that honors both individualism and community.

At his best, Obama promised to work with Republicans to reduce the deficit in a way that honors both individualism and community.

It's a bit unfair to accuse Obama of dividing the nation when the facts show that it already is.

President George W. Bush won reelection in 2004 largely because he was seen as comfortable in his own skin, while rival John Kerry was viewed as a flip-flopping opportunist.

AP promoted me to the White House beat because I knew Clinton, his family, friends, and staff better than anybody in the national press corps. Those contacts helped me break a few stories and get my career in Washington jump-started.

Most political journalists come to Washington because they're snappy writers, big thinkers, or news breakers. Me? My ticket to the big leagues had little to do with talent. It was mostly about the governor I was covering, Bill Clinton.

If acknowledging that racial misgivings and misunderstandings are still a part of politics and life in America, I plead guilty.