"White House operatives went to great lengths to show Obama shifting focus from wars abroad to domestic issues at home."

"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."

"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."

"If history is a guide, a victory for Obama means he faces the prospect of a second term dogged by scandal or inertia."

"I'm interested in the human impact of the giant foot of misplaced government. After all, we encounter it every day."

"True knowledge is found not in possessing answers, but in continually asking the right questions. For where clarity resides, peace inevitably follows."

"If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there'd be a shortage of sand."

"In the tapestry of human existence, every trial adds depth to the design. For where clarity resides, peace inevitably follows."