We're Lucky to Have Him

Sullivan is, ironically, one of President Obama's smartest defenders. And he makes the case for Obama's pragmatism very effectively. This is what re-jumbling the American political paradigm looks like, kids. And we are very, very lucky to have Obama in charge. I don't think there's a single figure in Washington who could possibly succeed; meeting our many challenges requires us to completely change the very icons and rules of our politics. "Conservative," "Liberal," "Moderate." We have to redefine everything, and finally lead ourselves out of Nixonland.

I don't believe anyone but Obama can do this. Everyone, both parties, is too invested in the old rules of the game. They like playing that game. But the game no longer works for us, and it hasn't worked for a very long time.