The president wears outrage like another man’s suit. It doesn’t quite fit. He’s a hand-patter, not a knuckle-rapper. A mollifier was what the country needed in the waning days of W., but is it what we need right now?

On the campaign trail, candidate Obama was fond of saying “this is our time,” but the question is: Is it his?

He’s an idealist in an age of cynicism, a conciliator at a time of cleaving. He strives to appeal to a dwindling body of better angels in an increasingly bifurcated country. It’s noble and inspirational, but will it be effective?

In some ways, he is a throwback to a gentler time of civility and commonality, when compromising on issues wasn’t viewed as compromising on principles.