Obama can go a long way just by confronting, or simply acknowledging, reality. He can say, and easily show, that we must pay for the government we want, or get less government—or, more likely, do a little of both. Fortunately, when Obama is looking for role models, he has quite a few close at hand. Not the sort of people who build their existence on getting booked on O’Reilly or Olbermann. But rather two large and noble groups: people who serve in the armed forces and every parent who has sacrificed himself or herself for a child. Soldiers, sailors, and airmen routinely put their lives at risk for something other than the modest pay they get. Mothers sacrifice themselves—their sleep and careers and peace of mind—for their children on a daily basis, often without really thinking about it. In every case they are subordinating their physical and material well-being to something greater than themselves: the love of a child, or their comrades in arms, or their country.

They are willing to endure hardship—usually minor but sometimes severe—so that others who depend on them will be safe and secure. This is an ancient and honorable morality tale, and only President Obama can meaningfully deliver it to the whole country. By calling on what is best in us, and by offering up his own political future, Obama can show who he really is.