H. W. Brands has written a compelling biography of Teddy Roosevelt, “T. R. The Last Romantic.” Published by BasicBooks in 1997, Brands biographical depiction of Roosevelt is as intriguing as any novel. But I cannot help making a comparison to Barack Obama of 2008.

Way back when this writer was a young man, we used to stop at the local watering hole to soak up some suds with our beer buddies.  Joe Six Pack was always the first to arrive, and the last to leave.  After two or three cold ones we could solve most of the world problems.  [...]

The Republican attack machine was operating at full steam in their criticism of Barack Obama as not having enough experience to be President.  Then Senator John McCain, the Republican nominee for President, chose Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska as his running mate.  Now we find all of the Republican strategists bowing at the alter of [...]

This time, this election, we must bridge the chasm of race, gender, politics - liberal and conservative, religion - fundamental, evangelical, literal, figurative, Christian or Islam.
Real leadership is nuanced. It is not black and white. It is not rooted in the winning and losing mentality of pure capitalism. I believe it was Henry Ford II [...]

Son,
The Republican debate is on CNN tonight. It is being hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. John McCain, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, and Mike Huckabee are participating. I missed a few minutes because of a black tie affair that I could not get out of.
The question is what about 100 year involvement in Iraq.
Ron [...]

Son,
These folks are working hard to distinguish themselves from the crowd.  They have similar position on a variety of issues - so what is left to distinguish.  Leadership, character, honesty, courage…  This sounds personal - but I think there is purpose.
Obama has been doing well - and that attracts attention.  Clinton and Edwards both attacked [...]