We're living in an era of unprecedented change, and I want to be a part of documenting it.

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

It's an appeal as old as America and its presidency: This is an extraordinary country populated by hard-working, big-dreaming, freedom-loving people graced by God when they're not pulling themselves up by the bootstraps.

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.

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

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

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.