Something just dawned on me re President Obama's second term.

[trof]

I think he has a lock on a second term.
I can't see any way the repugs can get enough crazies to support any one of the current field to elect them.

So...he can start GOVERNING NOW like it's already his second term.
Take the gloves off.

Or am I being too simplistic?

[pnwmom]

1. I think you're being overly optimistic.

For one thing, he needs votes from at least some independents and middle-of-the-roaders.

For another, he'll be able to do a lot more if he can get re-elected and help turn the House of Representatives blue.

[Enrique]

2. it doesn't work that way

presidents don't become totally free in their second term anyway. They still have to pay a lot of people (and other entities) back.

[Drunken Irishman]

3. Not really...

It's not like the circumstances change all that much. He'll still have a divided congress to work through and if Republicans still keep the House from 2012-2016, similarly to Clinton's 2nd term, I see no reason to expect anything different.

[elocs]

4. If he's lucky he will have a divided Congress. Republicans will have a good shot at the Senate

with Democrats having to defend twice as many seats as they do.

[Canuckistanian]

5. Seems like the contenders are falling all over themselves

In some bizarre contest to see who's crazier. Trump is the current front-runner.

I'm sure the others won't stand for that.

[joentokyo]

6. Hmmm. Maybe you have had too much Hopium.

[babylonsister]

7. I think he KNOWS he'll be more able to smack back at rethugs,

something I bet he's been itching to do. Yes, he's been very diplomatic, too much so by many accounts. Does anyone think he liked being in that position? I don't.