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.

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

Political reporters and political professionals rushed to judgment against Romney because we crave clear, unambiguous story lines.

If Mitt Romney is vanilla, Chris Christie is three hefty scoops of Rocky Road topped with whipped cream, Red Bull, and gravel.

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

Obama will learn from his mistakes.

Obama does not need to worry as much as past Democratic presidents about being labeled soft on national security - not after giving the order that led to the assassination of Osama bin Laden. No, his biggest concern is being labeled tone deaf on joblessness and debt.