NOW He'll Start Hurting Everyone's Feelings

I remember during the primaries, everyone wanted Obama to go after Hillary, hard, real bare-knuckle style.

And he didn't, and he won.

Then in August 2008 many of the same people wanted him to take a negative, two-fisted approach with McCain.

And he didn't, and he won.

Now there are murmurs that this victory should bring forth some due nastiness from the White House (maybe some of the Chicago-style stuff I keep hearing about).

"His political advisers are hinting at a more aggressive strategy: portraying Republicans who oppose the legislation as opposing all of its benefits. In the Bush administration, this was standard practice."

If recent history is any indication, Obama will not "stick it" to the Republicans (well, to the extent that pushing through the most comprehensive progressive legislative agenda in 40 years isn't "sticking it" to them).

He will smile and charm and out-maneuver and, in this political war of attrition, eke out victory after victory.

Again.

And again.