The fact that Obama is getting criticism from the left and the right might reflect his understanding of the underlying political dynamics.

Obama will learn from his mistakes.

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.

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

Somebody must be up and somebody must be down. Trouble is, campaigns are messy, subtle creatures that don't follow convenient narratives.

The fact that Obama is getting criticism from the left and the right might reflect his understanding of the underlying political dynamics.

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.