Anything can go wrong in a debate, and Obama is not a perfect debater. Ron Fournier debatedebaterobama Change image and share on social
Republicans would have preferred the court overturn the health care bill, an act that would have underscored Obama's biggest liability - the perception among voters, including those who like and trust him, that he has been ineffective. Ron Fournier actbigbill share on social
Andrew Jackson was the first president to claim that the desires of the public overrode Congress's constitutional prerogatives. Virtually every president since Jackson has claimed the mantle, even while lacking two ingredients of an electoral mandate: a landslide victory and a specific agenda. Ron Fournier agendumandrewclaim share on social
Hollywood has a history of raising expectations beyond Washington's reach, of appealing to the very American desire to mythologize political leaders, particularly the president. Ron Fournier americanappealdesire Change image and share on social
Blending hard-bitten realism with long-view optimism, Obama said that every 20 or 30 years brings a new cycle of pessimism in America. Ron Fournier americabiteblend Change image and share on social
Don't underestimate questions from the crowd; technology has made voters more informed than ever. Ron Fournier crowdinformmake Change image and share on social
With gridlock the norm, Congress's approval rating is below 10 percent and the public has lost faith in its national leadership. Ron Fournier approvalcongressfaith Change image and share on social
One side of the American psyche wants smaller government, lower taxes, and more choices for individuals, even if those choices increase risk. The other wants a strong social safety net to protect the weakest among us, even if it costs more to minimize risk. Ron Fournier americanchoicecost share on social
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 americaappealbig share on social
American exceptionalism is the recurring character in the nation's narrative. Ron Fournier americancharacterexceptionalism Change image and share on social