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

Political consultants are pugilists, masters in the dark art of negativity. Which is why it's surprising to hear Democrats such as Steve McMahon and Republicans like Rich Galen urging their presidential candidates to be more, well, positive.

In Washington, compromise has become a dirty word.

Although we were never pals and occasionally butted heads, my relationship with Clinton and his wife, Hillary, made me a better journalist.

Got good news and bad news for you, Mr. President. The good news is that Chief Justice John Roberts just saved your legacy and, perhaps, your presidency by writing for the Supreme Court majority to rule health care reform constitutional.

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

It's a deft trick to turn American exceptionalism into an exceptional political tactic.