We're always at war.

Thinking of Obama post-presidency is both fascinating and puzzling.  I almost get the feeling he would look for the next step on the career ladder.  A position of "global leadership".

I would agree with you that he will have little lasting celebrity appeal and he certainly doesn't appear to be the sort to gracefully step off the stage.

A beautiful letter and a wonderful post.

This is ideal for Romney.  Rather than fake being human he can continue to be himself and let others put a human face on him.

Absolutely has no sense of the audience.  Contrast him with Bill Clinton who wasn't exactly (ahem.... sorry...) underexposed.  Clinton always managed to create the impression that his presence was demanded by the audience.  That's a gift and a honed skill.

I think we have a new slogan - For the price of a tensor fascia latae you can join the Rico-challenge.

(Sorry... don't mean to make light of your injury but I couldn't resist.  Get better quickly!)

Before you tear it down, let me get over the night games.

"All in favor of starting a war...."

"All in favor of Balanced Budget Tax...."

Expiration dates for Federal programs and agencies.  Let's say 10 years.  Renewals require 2/3 majority vote.

Cap the number of days Congress is in Session.  200 days seems about right.

It isn't Obama that polls well, it is the idea of Obama that polls well.

Pardon me TR, but Obama is a blank slate.  (Or at least he was.)  He lets us think what we think and makes no attempt to dissuade.  So I think plenty of people look at him and say "he doesn't seem to disagree with me therefore he must agree with me.  And that means he's like totally awesome!"

Well true... my approach would take some time.

But I do think the "I don't want to save Medicare/Education is not a right" statements are the conservative default response in all circumstances.  And that is costly.

Wonderfully fascinating post.  Thank you for it.

Great story but this is a terrible conservative affliction.  This approach does little to move the football.

Better to play dumb and pepper him with questions.  "Save medicare from what?  What seems to be the problem?"  A few rounds of this and he'll be boxed into a conservative corner.

The key, I think, is to recognize the setup and flip it on them.

Friend: "Don't you believe that education is a right?"

You: "Define 'right'."

 The moment you commit to your position you lose.