I rather doubt that a man with his self image is likely to be content to leave the White House eight years from now having been a mere steward of Republican capitalism and military policy. I suspect he wants to play for the history books and do something dramatic with America. I suspect, as he says, he intends to be the change – and not merely of the “can’t we all just get along?” variety. In fact, I suspect he doesn’t want to get along with his philosophical opposition – he wants to politically overwhelm us…

Here is my suggestion to those who disagreed with what, during and before the campaign, Mr. Obama seemed to be saying about economics, diplomacy, culture and foreign policy: Do not take too much comfort from his appointees. Brace for the change you do not believe in.