By nominating Chuck Hagel to be his Defense secretary, President Obama is putting forward an aloof contrarian who doesn't suffer fools - a striving politician who considers himself above politics.

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.

Clearly, the Obama presidency hasn't wiped out racial prejudices.

A presidential debate is a job interview. And voters look for certain traits in people applying to be president.

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

Don't stigmatize in a rush to explain inexplicable evil.

The failure of the White House and Congress to seriously address the nation's fiscal situation is certain to broaden the belief among many voters that the U.S. political system is broken.