First, some general rules:

1. Keep him off balance. Go on the attack and stay on the attack.
2. Don’t ever get mad. Be like FDR; humor and biting sarcasm.
3. When he evades or ignores, keep after him. Remind the audience of what he’s trying to evade or ignore.
4. Take full credit
… Read full post »

Once upon a time – probably about twenty years ago – we were driving home from a show one evening with two teenagers in the back seat. During the conversation, one of them – I forget which one – made an age-appropriate remark that caused me to ask, "How out of it… Read full post »

First, a framework. When my daughter was six years old, we started the Suzuki violin program. For those not familiar with it, the program calls for parent and child to study and practice together. It doesn’t matter whether or not the parent has previously played the instrument; what matters is… Read full post »

This is your mama in my arms, aged three weeks:

Thirty-five years later, this is you on your first birthday:

Many years ago in my acting days, before your mama was born, I played Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof."

I didn't want to see the movie… Read full post »

Once again, Mitt Romney has inadvertently handed the President a golden opportunity. By making this question the centerpiece of his campaign, Mitt has given the President his best and possibly his last chance to wrap up the election.

There is only one honest answer: "Some people are better off, some… Read full post »

Is it possible to talk positive and still be negative? Paul Ryan proved it last night beyond a reasonable doubt.

All the positive words, from "freedom" to "leadership" to "optimistic" to "hope" itself, were Ryan’s efforts to portray the Republican Party as the party of positive ideas, the… Read full post »

Whether Democrats admit it or not, Republicans have been far more effective at verbal strategy. The four words at the heart of their strategy in 2012 are "entitlements," "redistribution," and "job creators." Why those four? Because they load the dice most effectively against the President. To favor "… Read full post »

 You don’t have to be a psychologist to recognize projection when you see it. It’s a very simple process, especially in politics. People attribute their own behavior to their opponents. It’s a great way to camouflage one’s own motives and intentions.

It’s als… Read full post »