As horrified democrats stepped up their criticism of Obama, an alternative voice entered the conversation:
Arguing that this president’s inclination to hear, respect and accommodate all sides of an issue is not a sign of political inexperience or character weakness.
But, according to Harvard history prof James Kloppenberg, a reflection of Barack’s intellectually powerful understanding of American democracy.
And an expression of the president’s commitment to bridging deep cultural and political differences in our society.
Watch Kloppenberg discuss his book "Reading Obama" with Charlie Rose and maybe you’ll gain a little relief – as I did – from the looming prospect of a "failed presidency."
Because, like it or not, Obama is probably not going to change.
It doesn’t matter what people around him want. When you walk into a big job - in business, in politics, running a nonprofit or a labor organization - you bring what’s worked for you in the past. You see the world through your own eyes.
We know from our own lives and behavior how hard it is to change and how easy it is to get defensive when criticized. What could I do to make you – or me – different?
Obama supporters who want the president to be more combative, clever and commanding are baffled, frustrated and don’t know what to do.
How about accepting him as he is?
It’s just a thought.