Obama won the presidency on the strength of his message and the skills of the messenger. Now the talk of hope and change feels out of tune when so many Americans are out of work, over-mortgaged, and worried that life will be even tougher for their children.

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.

'Argo,' 'Lincoln,' and 'Zero Dark Thirty,' three films honored with Best Picture Oscar nominations, lionize their Washington-anchored protagonists as crafty, competent, and virtually incorruptible.

Political reporters and political professionals rushed to judgment against Romney because we crave clear, unambiguous story lines.

With gridlock the norm, Congress's approval rating is below 10 percent and the public has lost faith in its national leadership.

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

Most Tea Party activists consider Obama a big-spending liberal. Some even question his eligibility to be president.