Yeah, I know it's only been an hour or so, but does he just think it or

[gratuitous]

23. I understand what you're saying

After all, if the President had made his decision a weensy bit earlier (how about three years earlier), it might have made a difference in North Carolina. In fact, after the Vice President's comments over the weekend, the President had a golden opportunity to take that ball and run with it. Instead, we got treated to three days of "What the hell did he just say?" directed at various times to various people in the administration and on the campaign staff. Everyone got confused, and it was frankly a mell of a hess.

Then comes the North Carolina vote, and like a stable door being securely fastened once the horse has fled, the President's announcement today of all days has the cynical tang of pandering for votes once the latest indignity has been inflicted. The fact that it's my vote being pandered doesn't excuse the studied silence of the previous 36 months. Part of sitting in the Big Chair is the obligation to provide leadership, and get out front on issues. "But you're not being fair! The President's statement is heueueuege! Don't be such a Debbie Downer!" Tough. I get to say when it looks like wet noodlery, and today's statement - at long last - isn't even al dente.