THOUGHTS FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES

THIS POST APPEARS IN THE SUNDAY DIALOGUE SECTION OF THE NEW YORK TIMES - IT IS IN RESPONSE TO A LETTER ANALYZING A NEW, TOUGHER OBAMA

The simple answer to Dr. Willenbring’s question is that President Obama’s wising up is too late. While it is comforting to hear the passion and focus in the words of the president, the unalterable reality is that the next 14 months will be filled with more of the Republican obstructionism and willful distortions we have already endured.

The Republican mantra of making Mr. Obama a one-term president precludes the possibility of any meaningful progress. The sad truth is that no compelling and reasoned speeches can move an opponent who sees political gain in our country’s continuing weakness.