It's A Deft Trick To Turn American

By Nominating Chuck Hagel To Be His Defense Secretary, President Obama Is Putting Forward An Aloof Contrarian Who Doesn't Suffer Fools - A Striving Politician Who Considers Himself Above Politics.

Every Now And Then, A Presidential Candidate Surprises Us With A Truly Human And Honest Moment.

The Fact That Obama Is Getting Criticism From The Left And The Right Might Reflect His Understanding Of The Underlying Political Dynamics.

Washington's Answer To A Self-inflicted Financial Crisis Reminded Americans Why They So Deeply Distrust The Political Class. The 'fiscal Cliff' Process Was Secretive And Sloppy, And The Nation's So-called Leadership Lacked The Political Courage To Address Our Root Problems: Joblessness And Debt.

American Exceptionalism Is The Recurring Character In The Nation's Narrative.