I'm hearing echoes of Bill Clinton, circa 1996, in President Obama's reelection rhetoric.

Obama considers himself above deal-making and back-slapping, political necessities he often delegates to Vice President Joe Biden and other lesser sorts.

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

Romney and Democratic rival President Obama have led their partisan backers down a trail of lies, negativity and vacuous policies that seem certain to guarantee an angry electorate four more years of gridlock.

Once a popular Alaska governor with a modest record of accomplishment, Palin could conceivably revive her reputation in this era of short memories. But it's hard to imagine her name atop the GOP ballot in 2016, when a cast of heavyweights who sat out 2012 will be vying for the nomination.

In Washington, compromise has become a dirty word.

If history is a guide, a victory for Obama means he faces the prospect of a second term dogged by scandal or inertia.