“Hollywood has a history of raising expectations beyond Washington's reach, of appealing to the very American desire to mythologize political leaders, particularly the president.”
History
“Although we were never pals and occasionally butted heads, my relationship with Clinton and his wife, Hillary, made me a better journalist.”
RelationshipAll Quotes by Ron Fournier
“At the start of his second term, one wonders less about Obama's fitness than his willingness: Why doesn't he do more to build and maintain the relationships required to govern in era of polarization?”
Fitness“We're living in an era of unprecedented change, and I want to be a part of documenting it.”
Change“If history is a guide, a victory for Obama means he faces the prospect of a second term dogged by scandal or inertia.”
History“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.”
Politics“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.”
Change“One side of the American psyche wants smaller government, lower taxes, and more choices for individuals, even if those choices increase risk. The other wants a strong social safety net to protect the weakest among us, even if it costs more to minimize risk.”
Government“A dose of humility goes a long way in life and in politics.”
Politics“Shock, confusion, fear, anger, grief, and defiance. On Sept. 11, 2001, and for the three days following the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, President George W. Bush led with raw emotion that reflected the public's whipsawing stages of acceptance.”
Anger“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.”
Faith“Don't underestimate questions from the crowd technology has made voters more informed than ever.”
Technology“For a man who has compared himself to Theodore Roosevelt and the nation's challenges to those of the Gilded Age, Obama put forward a tepid agenda.”
Age“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.”
Change“Voters don't have to love him, Romney advisers say, but they will respect him.”
Respect“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.”
History“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.”
Movies“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.”
Health“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.”
Positive“White House operatives went to great lengths to show Obama shifting focus from wars abroad to domestic issues at home.”
Home“AP promoted me to the White House beat because I knew Clinton, his family, friends, and staff better than anybody in the national press corps. Those contacts helped me break a few stories and get my career in Washington jump-started.”
Family