Quotes by Ron Fournier

The failure of the White House and Congress to seriously address the nations fiscal situation is certain to broaden the belief among many voters that the U.S. political system is broken.

Obama won the presidency on the strength of his message and the skills of the messenger. Now the talk of hope and change feels out of tune when so many Americans are out of work, over-mortgaged, and worried that life will be even tougher for their children.

Dont kid yourself. President Obamas decision to withdraw 33,000 troops from Afghanistan before he stands for reelection is not driven by the United States position of strength in the war zone as much as it is by grim economic and political realities at home.

Washingtons answer to a self-inflicted financial crisis reminded Americans why they so deeply distrust the political class. The fiscal cliff process was secretive and sloppy, and the nations so-called leadership lacked the political courage to address our root problems: joblessness and debt.

With gridlock the norm, Congresss approval rating is below 10 percent and the public has lost faith in its national leadership.

Political consultants are pugilists, masters in the dark art of negativity. Which is why its surprising to hear Democrats such as Steve McMahon and Republicans like Rich Galen urging their presidential candidates to be more, well, positive.

Republicans would have preferred the court overturn the health care bill, an act that would have underscored Obamas biggest liability - the perception among voters, including those who like and trust him, that he has been ineffective.

Shock, confusion, fear, anger, grief, and defiance. On Sept. 11, 2001, and for the three days following the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, President George W. Bush led with raw emotion that reflected the publics whipsawing stages of acceptance.

At the start of his second term, one wonders less about Obamas fitness than his willingness: Why doesnt he do more to build and maintain the relationships required to govern in era of polarization?