#al

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

— Ron Fournier

#already #bit #dividing #facts #nation

It's a deft trick to turn American exceptionalism into an exceptional political tactic. ↗

— Ron Fournier

#exceptional #into #political #tactic #trick

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. ↗

— Ron Fournier

#appeal #bootstraps #country #extraordinary #freedom-loving

I was amazed at the house that I grew up in; it looks practically identical to the way it was, but I couldn't recognize it because of the size of the trees. ↗

— Jim Fowler

#because #grew #house #i #identical

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. ↗

— Ron Fournier

#after #capital #day #earned #election

Most political journalists come to Washington because they're snappy writers, big thinkers, or news breakers. Me? My ticket to the big leagues had little to do with talent. It was mostly about the governor I was covering, Bill Clinton. ↗

— Ron Fournier

#because #big #big leagues #bill #bill clinton

Obama considers himself above deal-making and back-slapping, political necessities he often delegates to Vice President Joe Biden and other lesser sorts. ↗

— Ron Fournier

#considers #delegates #himself #joe #lesser

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. ↗

— Ron Fournier

#after #assassination #being #biggest #bin

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. ↗

— Ron Fournier

#capable #care #easily #evidenced #health

Obama still has work to do with the vision thing. Convincing voters that he has a credible, practical plan to turn the nation around is a process, not a speech. ↗

— Ron Fournier

#convincing #credible #nation #obama #plan