If history is a guide, a victory for Obama means he faces the prospect of a second term dogged by scandal or inertia. Ron Fournier on history
Part of the problem is voters know relatively little about Romney. And some of what they know about him complicates his task: Romney has a history of flip-flopping on issues, he's extraordinarily wealthy, and he can be tone-deaf about what moves voters. He just doesn't seem comfortable in his skin. Ron Fournier on history
You can almost see voters nodding their heads at home: The public's faith in politicians and political institutions has been on a steep and dangerous decline for decades, because elected leaders fail to deliver. Ron Fournier on home
Don't kid yourself. President Obama's decision to withdraw 33,000 troops from Afghanistan before he stands for reelection is not driven by the United States' 'position of strength' in the war zone as much as it is by grim economic and political realities at home. Ron Fournier on home
White House operatives went to great lengths to show Obama shifting focus from wars abroad to domestic issues at home. Ron Fournier on home
Obama won the presidency on the strength of his message and the skills of the messenger. Now the talk of hope and change feels out of tune when so many Americans are out of work, over-mortgaged, and worried that life will be even tougher for their children. Ron Fournier on hope
With gridlock the norm, Congress's approval rating is below 10 percent and the public has lost faith in its national leadership. Ron Fournier on leadership
Washington's answer to a self-inflicted financial crisis reminded Americans why they so deeply distrust the political class. The 'fiscal cliff' process was secretive and sloppy, and the nation's so-called leadership lacked the political courage to address our root problems: joblessness and debt. Ron Fournier on leadership
We, the people. Manifest Destiny. Conceived in liberty. Fear itself. Ask not. Morning in America. United we stand. Yes, we can. In times of great change and tumult, presidents seek to inspire beleaguered Americans by reminding them of their national identity. Ron Fournier on morning
Movies such as 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' in 1939 to 'Dave' in 1993 portray Washington leaders as the ultimate Everymen - decent people just like you and me, only thrust onto greatness. Ron Fournier on movies
Close elections tend to break toward the challenger because undecided voters - having held out so long against the incumbent - are by nature looking for change. Ron Fournier on nature
A dose of humility goes a long way in life and in politics. Ron Fournier on politics
If acknowledging that racial misgivings and misunderstandings are still a part of politics and life in America, I plead guilty. Ron Fournier on politics
By nominating Chuck Hagel to be his Defense secretary, President Obama is putting forward an aloof contrarian who doesn't suffer fools - a striving politician who considers himself above politics. Ron Fournier on politics
I've been leading newsrooms for a while now and it's been an honor serving as Editor in Chief of N.J., but I really think that my best shot at moving the needle in politics is by getting close to it - by reading, reporting, tweeting and writing. Ron Fournier on politics
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 on positive
Although we were never pals and occasionally butted heads, my relationship with Clinton and his wife, Hillary, made me a better journalist. Ron Fournier on relationship
Voters don't have to love him, Romney advisers say, but they will respect him. Ron Fournier on respect
Obama won the presidency on the strength of his message and the skills of the messenger. Now the talk of hope and change feels out of tune when so many Americans are out of work, over-mortgaged, and worried that life will be even tougher for their children. Ron Fournier on strength
Don't kid yourself. President Obama's decision to withdraw 33,000 troops from Afghanistan before he stands for reelection is not driven by the United States' 'position of strength' in the war zone as much as it is by grim economic and political realities at home. Ron Fournier on strength