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

Got good news and bad news for you, Mr. President. The good news is that Chief Justice John Roberts just saved your legacy and, perhaps, your presidency by writing for the Supreme Court majority to rule health care reform constitutional.

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.

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

Obama is capable - as evidenced by his first-term success with health care reform. But mandate-building requires humility, a trait not easily associated with him.

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

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