Sorry, but winning a second majority isn’t going to change
Barack Obama for the better.
He’s not going to feel less self-possessed, more anxious
about how other politicians feel, and less excited about being one of American history’s
great presidents. He’d be as thick a politician as Mitt Romney, however, if he
can’t see that his challenges are smaller now than they were through his first
term—and his adversaries are smaller as well.
Terrible clouds are lifting. Consequently, Obama’s
confidence, toughness, and exceptional personal ambition will likely shine more
brightly.
Peggy Noonan can
be counted on to tell us how exceptional presidents should conduct themselves
when they’re having fun. Here’s her take on Obama’s bracing first press
conference back in Washington:
“He's looking very stern. You
don't have a problem with Susan Rice, you have a problem with me, he says, with
a scowl. He talks about the fiscal cliff but not in a way that shows a real
eagerness for compromise. He does not define areas of potential give, potential
progress. He won, after all. He doesn't have to.
“What is needed is bigness,
magnanimity. It's not all about him, his party, it's not all about self. It is
not even all about one's deepest political intentions. There are other ways and
schedules for moving forward there.
“Get the Republicans leaders on
the Hill together. Suggest in subtle ways
you'll let them save face. Quietly acknowledge you weren't the best negotiator
in the world the first time 'round, and neither were they.
“Maybe no one was quite their
best. But the nation faces a real challenge and there will be economic repercussions
in mishandling it. ‘Let's make a deal and let's make it quickly. We all have to
play games but not too much and not too long.’”
Boehner can wear sunglasses during the “fiscal cliff” negotiations
if he has a problem with Obama’s glittering political success.
This year, he’ll deal with Obama whether he likes or loathes
the man. He’ll compromise on taxes because he can’t walk out or refuse to
return the President’s calls. Obama has his job for four years. John Boehner
holds his job at the pleasure of a defeated Republican Party.
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