Obama shows no sign of easing up on negativity. Ron Fournier More Quotes by Ron Fournier More Quotes From Ron Fournier Every now and then, a presidential candidate surprises us with a truly human and honest moment. Ron Fournier presidentialhonestsurprise Palin seems to have forgotten that her poll ratings have plummeted since the summer of 2011. Ron Fournier ratingforgottensummer Perhaps we should wait until his second term begins before carving Barack Obama's face in Mount Rushmore. Is that asking too much? Ron Fournier mount-rushmoreaskingwaiting Political reporters and political professionals rushed to judgment against Romney because we crave clear, unambiguous story lines. Ron Fournier linespoliticalstories Since declaring that she would not serve in a second Obama administration, Clinton has dismissed suggestions that she will run in 2016. Ron Fournier suggestionsadministrationrunning The fact that Obama is getting criticism from the left and the right might reflect his understanding of the underlying political dynamics. Ron Fournier politicalunderstandingcriticism It's a deft trick to turn American exceptionalism into an exceptional political tactic. Ron Fournier tacticstrickspolitical Political consultants are pugilists, masters in the dark art of negativity. Which is why it's surprising to hear Democrats such as Steve McMahon and Republicans like Rich Galen urging their presidential candidates to be more, well, positive. Ron Fournier presidentialdarkart Obama might do well to remember that his fast rise from the Illinois state Senate was due in large part to an uncanny ability to make friends and find mentors. Ron Fournier mentorillinoismight Obama is capable - as evidenced by his first-term success with health care reform. But mandate-building requires humility, a trait not easily associated with him. Ron Fournier reformcarehumility President Obama is casting his lot in the middle of a debate as old as America itself: Are we rugged individualists pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps? Or are we a nation of community, all connected and counting on one another? Ron Fournier communitypresidentamerica President George W. Bush won reelection in 2004 largely because he was seen as comfortable in his own skin, while rival John Kerry was viewed as a flip-flopping opportunist. Ron Fournier reelectionskinspresident Obama does not need to worry as much as past Democratic presidents about being labeled soft on national security - not after giving the order that led to the assassination of Osama bin Laden. No, his biggest concern is being labeled tone deaf on joblessness and debt. Ron Fournier givingorderpast One of Obama's most impressive attributes is his quiet confidence: Voters sense that he is comfortable in his own skin, a dedicated father and friend who won't waste time with the phony rituals of Washington. Ron Fournier votersskinsfather Once a popular Alaska governor with a modest record of accomplishment, Palin could conceivably revive her reputation in this era of short memories. But it's hard to imagine her name atop the GOP ballot in 2016, when a cast of heavyweights who sat out 2012 will be vying for the nomination. Ron Fournier alaskanamesmemories Obama still has work to do with the vision thing. Convincing voters that he has a credible, practical plan to turn the nation around is a process, not a speech. Ron Fournier votersvisionspeech Romney and Democratic rival President Obama have led their partisan backers down a trail of lies, negativity and vacuous policies that seem certain to guarantee an angry electorate four more years of gridlock. Ron Fournier negativitylyingyears He said for the longest time he was going to support Hillary Clinton. She was the inevitable nominee in his mind. All he cares is that the best candidate beats the Republican nominee. But then (the) email (issue) happened, and he started distrusting her credibility a little bit, mainly it was Donald Trump. If Trump is going to win the nomination, Mike Glover suggests, anybody can beat him. So now he's leaning toward Bernie Sanders. Donald Trump has kind of given him permission to go a little bit more toward his heart than his head. And I wonder if there are other Iowa Democrats going through the same kind of thinking. Ron Fournier politics A lot of reporters are looking for a great soundbite that addresses the question of trust, i think she is underestimating the weight she's put on herself by undermining her credibility with the email scandal. Ron Fournier politics Donor maintenance is a term we use in Washington when you go around and pat peopleon the back with a wink and a nod then they send a check to you, it's not directly fundraising but it's kind of fundraising and it sure what this looks like to me. Ron Fournier politics
