How can a president “work his will” in such a way as to force autonomous members of the opposite party controlling a co-equal branch of government to sacrifice their own calculated self-interest? It is a form of magical thinking, but a pervasive one. Which is exactly why the Republican strategy — making Obama’s promise to transcend partisanship fail by withholding cooperation — has worked.

Whether this strategy succeeds in its ultimate goal — returning the GOP to power in 2013 — depends on the election. In an unusual way, the success of Obama’s first term hangs in large part on his reelection bid, as a President Romney would probably kill his grandest achievement of providing health insurance to those Americans too sick or poor to acquire it in the marketplace. So any evaluation of Obama’s term before the election must be provisional.

What can be said without equivocation is that Obama has proven himself morally, intellectually, temperamentally, and strategically. In my lifetime, or my parents’, he is easily the best president. On his own terms, and not merely as a contrast to an unacceptable alternative, he overwhelmingly deserves reelection.

So basically this whole election is a referendum on whether the country wants to provide health insurance to Americans too sick or poor to acquire it in the marketplace?

If so, I'm frightened that this has come down to a coin toss.

As far as morals goes, that lethal presidency article still sticks in my gut.

President Barack Obama will be the President next year; Gov. Romney has lost the race. If anything, the media is doing BO a favor by making people think it's close -- so they go out and vote. Don't believe me? Right now, the race is -- mark my words --- not even close. Prexy is going to smash the Governor, that's just how it is.

See: 2000, when they called the race in Florida for Gore and folks didn't bother even voting anymore.

At any rate, Pres. Obama could be a better President. I hope he learns that he needs to be. I've seen it in two books now; in "the Obamas" by Jodi Kantor, and in "The price of politics." Not saying that these armchair writers always have it right, but I think there's a lot of evidence that he alienates a lot of people by being "above the fray," and not in a good way.

Adam, make sure you read: http://pandawhale.com/convo/8360/not-safe-for-work-corporation-the-war-nerd-obamas-wars in reference to the lethal article from esquire

Jared, thanks, will do.

Ottway, Obama knows he can do better. All he wants is the opportunity.

Yes, we can give it to him. :)

I was inspired by these pictures of Obama and Chris Christie together .

Made me hopeful about a future of being able to work together.

All that's necessary is for incentives to align.