Palin seems to have forgotten that her poll ratings have plummeted since the summer of 2011.

At the start of his second term, one wonders less about Obama's fitness than his willingness: Why doesn't he do more to build and maintain the relationships required to govern in era of polarization?

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.

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

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

Like a cowboy saddling a bucking stallion, Republican leaders tried to tame the Tea Party while riding it to victories.

It's a bit unfair to accuse Obama of dividing the nation when the facts show that it already is.