The Presidency

Obama's Flip-Flops for the Public Good

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - June 4, 2009

The president has been praised for his flexibility, not condemned for his flip-flops. more >>

Obama's Battle With the Liberal Wing of the Democratic Party

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - May 28, 2009

There are some signs that Obama is starting to generate serious opposition from his own party. more >>

Obama and Democrats' Torture Problem

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - May 22, 2009

The president must decide if he wants to keep the issue of torture alive. more >>

Air Force One Flyover: A Publicity Stunt Gone Wrong

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - May 13, 2009

Obama said the flyover was a mistake and the staffer responsible resigned. more >>

Obama's Next Big Challenges: Afghanistan and Pakistan

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - May 6, 2009

The president will address concerns about the Taliban in a meeting with Zardari and Karzai. more >>

Why Obama's Job Rating Stays High

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - April 30, 2009

Many people, especially new voters, trust Obama to do the right thing. more >>

Why Obama's Action Against the Somali Pirates Matters

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - April 23, 2009

Americans judge a president by how he handles the sudden challenges from far away. more >>

Obama's Journey from Charismatic to Polarizing

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - April 9, 2009

The president is facing strong resistance from Republicans and some conservative Democrats. more >>

For Obama, the Risk of Too Much Exposure

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - April 2, 2009

Will Americans get tired of seeing the president and tune him out? more >>

Michelle Obama Makes Military Families Her Mission

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - March 26, 2009

The first lady is often moved by accounts of personal sacrifice by service families. more >>

In Obama's Mailbox, Cries for Help From Outside the Beltway

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - March 17, 2009

The president tries to stay in touch by reading a selection of the thousands that arrive every day. more >>

Why Obama Has Shifted to the Positive on the Economy

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - March 5, 2009

He takes advice to become more upbeat about the future in hopes of boosting public confidence. more >>

The Stimulus Win Gives Obama a Big Political Boost

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - February 25, 2009

The victory gives his entire agenda a lift, while the GOP take a hit in public opinion polls. more >>

Obama Makes the Most of Meeting the Press

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - February 18, 2009

How the president sells his message—and himself. more >>

Obama Needs to Be an Educator in Chief to Fix the Economy

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - February 11, 2009

The president needed to use his bully pulpit to move the stimulus bill forward. more >>

Why Big Government Is Back in Fashion

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - February 4, 2009

About 58 percent of Americans favor increased government spending to turn around the tumbling economy. more >>

Why Obama Will Need to Show He Is a Fighter

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - January 25, 2009

Obama is a conciliator, but sometimes a president must come out swinging to get his way in Washington. more >>

Why Too Much Inauguration Star Power Could Hurt Obama

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - January 16, 2009

A look at the past relationships between presidents and Hollywood. more >>

Bush May Be Gracious Toward Obama, but He's Still Divisive

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - January 9, 2009

In his final days as president, Bush remains very polarizing. more >>

Bush's Gracious and Cooperative Attitude Toward Obama

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - January 2, 2009

In the final days of his presidency, Bush's conciliatory attitude is a reminder of what might have been more >>

How History Shapes Barack Obama's Inauguration

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - December 22, 2008

As he assumes the presidency, Obama will draw inspiration from Lincoln, FDR and Kennedy. more >>

Cheney Was a Powerful Force During Bush's Presidency

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - December 12, 2008

Vice President Cheney pushed President Bush to expand his powers. more >>

Liberals Unsure President-Elect Obama Will Govern From the Left

By Kenneth T. Walsh - Nation & World - December 11, 2008

Pressure is rising on Obama to please many constituencies that helped him win the White House. more >>

Hurricane Katrina Left a Mark on George W. Bush’s Presidency