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.

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

Historians will likely give Obama credit for steering the country away from the brink of economic collapse in 2009.

A dose of humility goes a long way in life and in politics.

Obama might do well to remember that his fast rise from the Illinois state Senate was due in large part to an uncanny ability to make friends and find mentors.

Don't underestimate questions from the crowd; technology has made voters more informed than ever.