American Exceptionalism Is The Recurring Character In

Don't Kid Yourself. President Obama's Decision To Withdraw 33,000 Troops From Afghanistan Before He Stands For Reelection Is Not Driven By The United States' 'position Of Strength' In The War Zone As Much As It Is By Grim Economic And Political Realities At Home.

It's A Deft Trick To Turn American Exceptionalism Into An Exceptional Political Tactic.

Mandates Are Rarely Won On Election Night. They Are Earned After Inauguration Day By Leaders Who Spend Their Political Capital Wisely, Taking Advantage Of Events Without Overreaching.

President George W. Bush Won Reelection In 2004 Largely Because He Was Seen As Comfortable In His Own Skin, While Rival John Kerry Was Viewed As A Flip-flopping Opportunist.

Somebody Must Be Up And Somebody Must Be Down. Trouble Is, Campaigns Are Messy, Subtle Creatures That Don't Follow Convenient Narratives.