"The public isn’t aroused one way or the other by the big issues buried within reform because there isn’t the kind of hot, mammoth debate we had in the country when the Clintons were pushing forward."

Isn't it also possible that the public has lived through the past 12-15 years under the CURRENT 'healthcare' system (if that's what you want to call it) and recognizes that pretty much any change has to be better than what we're stuck with now?

I am appalled at the time given to an x-vp. He is doing more to bring about fear and give our enemies the idea that we are not safe. I would have appreciated his remarks if they were transparant during their administration. However, when one has taken us into a war we did not have to be in and lied about weapons of mass destruction, I give him no credibility. The people hated this country because of him and his administration. They do not hate us now thanks to President Obama. What closet does he live in? President Obama as enough to deal with and now this man would rather defend the fact that he broke the law than to allow our president to lead our country. If the people were satisfied with him, a republican would be president now.

Being worried about President Obama taking in too much is understandable because he actually is. However, I have faith in him that he will be able to handle them and very well so if Senate and Congress becomes bipartisan and free of lobbyists. Old habits are hard to die specially for hardened and seasoned politicians of ours. As for healthcare, I agree on national debate. My worry is the bill will be passed with a lot of loopholes, corporate bruhaha in the system that will again burden the American people. America has the resources to reform our healthcare. It is just a matter of agreeing on what is our priorities and what the American people want.

Oh yeah, extreme challenges tonight. A very good reason to go home early. Thanks for the reminder. The clip already is promising.

WOW..once again another kiss up article to Obama. The man can handle...or juggle..as you say Gergen, so many things because on half of those things he isn't doing anything but backtracking on his promises about them and the other half he is just doing the least amount possible.

Cindy..Ga.

If you want something done, give it to a busy man. With the support of a nation, miracles can happen.

Mr. Gergen,

Excellent article. Very well written.

When things go wrong, everyone will think bad forever. And when things are going well, everyone Thinks it will be wonderful forever. Not quite, the crisis is much more complex. There are signs of improvement, but there are also signs that the problems continue.

Dave, I believe that the media viewed President Obama as if he were in a sports event and running the 1000 meter race; it's time to relaize that this man knows he is running in a marathon and the media to appreciate his stamina.

Obama's workload seems to be reflective of the times. There is a lot going on that the President needs to be involved with. I just hope with health care that if there are changes that those changes make a better system not a worse one.

Cindy in GA must be fuming because all her life she thought republicans were right (no pun intended) and she suddenly finds that she has been left (again... no pun intended) to her devices trying to figure out what went wrong with the republican party that it exploded within and unable to contain its fall.

If anyone can handle all of the above mentioned issues, it's Obama! We have 100% confidence in his leadership abilities.

Ah ... we have heard from good ole Cindy in Ga, the apparent standard bearer of the right-wing extremists running (or is that ruining) the Repubs.

Obama has the Repubs running around in circles, totally befuddled, forming circles for shotgun practice, and the only people they are hitting is themselves. Go for it boys!

Take notes for the Repubs Cindy. They might(?) be able to learn from an intelligent President; something we have not had for 8-years.

I have always been impressed with political acumen and wise commentary on the issues facing our nation that David Gergen brings.

I am so proud of President Obama and so excited with all he is working to accomplish. Regardless of the worthless and vicious attacks on him, President Obama keeps moving forward and is moving America forward.

He has kept the support and trust of the American people in the process and we admire him for being able to handle so many difficult and diverse issues at once. He said on the campaign trail that the President should be able to handle more than one thing at a time and I agreed with him. Who knew how many issues President Obama really could handle at once? He is an amazing and remarkable leader. He is on his way to being one of our greatest Presidents ever.

Republicans have learned nothing and have created great damage to their Party and to their future as a viable voice. Americans are sick of theiir constant negativity and are just tuning them out.

President Obama has accomplished so much and all of it with no Republican support, votes, or input. It shows how irrelevant and unnecessary the Repubican Party has become. It shows we can do with a whole lot less Republicans in Congress come 2010. Just think how much more we could be doing for the benefit of America with less obstructionists in the way.

Great job President Obama! You have exceeded our expectations in every way!

I agree whole heartedly – AND there is still some room to take on the idiotic believes of America's former VP who perhaps needs some "enhanced interrogation techniques of his own" to learn what he knew and when he knew it..

Obama's rhetoric is now sucking him into all directions...he has raised the hopes of too many suckers with his flamboyant and self-righteous rhetoric...The man is a master politician who can say anything he likes, but do exactly the opposite, and still continue to be the darling of the liberal left...He has NO (repeat NO) record of any achievement or reform, other than getting himself elected. It is flabergasting how gullible the American people can be that they elected him, and cannot see thru this slick "car-salesman". Unfortunately, he has the political strength in the congress, and hence before people realise their mistakes (buyers remorse?), he is pushing at great speed these changes down everyone's throats, well knowing that once implemented, it will be too hard to be rolled-back. Not allowing sufficient or reasonable time in discussing proposed reform and bills in the public is a totally UN-DEMOCRATIC AND UN-AMERICAN WAY... This can only mean one thing – Obama is scared that the public will not support his changes, hence he is keeping them out from public debate and using only congressional strength to push through....Nice transparency ! This is Slick and Dirty ! I am ashamed that soon we will become the laughing stock of the world...

David Gergen and our amazing President are very intelligent! The first Lady however,has beauty and Class to go with her IQ,No offense guys,just keep up the excellence!Our Great country needs you all!! GOD Bless You folks and thankyou!

Obama doesn't know exactly what he's talking about. Terrorists do not hate us because of Gitmo......Terrorists hate us because of Isreal....As long the US keep supporting Israel, the more hatre we will have. I love Israel and we cannot allow these Terrorists to be successful....Obama is wrong on Gitmo

When President Obama was sworn in on January 20, we could only hope that he was bringing new life and clarity to the presidency, realizing that he hadn't very far to go to surpass the ones whose place he was taking. As David Gergen so aptly put it, this is obviously a young man of vigor and foresight who has not disappointed us so far.
Now one of the actors from the past administration has reared his ugly head once more, which means that those of us who really suffered during their tenure had better take up our own emotional weapons and come to President Obama's defense. Along with that stance, we had better pray – pray that Dick Cheney will slink back into his lair never to be heard from again.

I love how health care rationing and killing the R&D incentive for companies is being called reform.

We have the best health care system in the world. Our "poor" have the best benefits and services.

Yet, spoiled children with nary a bit of knowledge of how "health care gets created" or why "paying for what you use" are driving this insanity.

No one leaves the states for good health care but they certainly do come here.

The reason that Obama is able to "tackle" so many problems at once is because he has a Congress and Media that adore him. If CNN didn't have an organizational support for liberal policies, we would see a much better critique of Obama's actions. Additionally, it's easy to address many problems at once when all you need to do is cut and paste "It's George Bush's fault and I'm going to do something different" into the solution for each one.

Why is Obama so afraid of Dick Cheney?

President Obama, however, is completely ignoring the national problem of not enough Homes for Unwed Gay People. The problem is not going away just because Dick Cheney is in hiding.

well, well well, Obama is FINALLY forcing the government to be functional and some, like Cindy, just can't handle it.

Move aside Cindy, your beloved President Bush's mistakes will be fixed without you.

Geez, some people just don't deserve American citizenship.

Youn can see that it is hard. But Obama is a multitasker. And there is no time to do one issue at a time. All the big issues have to be dealt with all at the same time. Thay have all arrived at the same time. He is doing great!!

You guys, do yourselves a favor. Get your news from more than one source. Spend some time on CNN or MSNBC and then hop over to Fox News and make up your own mind on the matter after seeing a left bias and a right bias to the same story.

People are so completely hardwired to think a certain way it is sickening. Yes, the previous administration made some mistakes and no, Obama is not doing everything right and he is making mistakes. There is an opposition to your thoughts!! Challenge yourself by taking in the thoughts and opinions of the opposing side to either rethink your position or cement it.

My gut tells me that Obama has bit off more than he can chew and he doesn't have the strength in his core team to keep the juggling act up. You think Biden is his point man that is going to help offload this? Nope. Obama should have stuck with a few core issues and done them well.

Health care isn't going to sneak by.

Cindy, maybe if the previous administration had bothered to spend even a fraction of the time the current one is spending on various issues, the mess we're in right now could perhaps had been avoided or at the very least a lot less pressing.

I used to be a republican but am no longer. Thank Bush for that.

Gee Cindy, you sure sound like the rest of the old bitter republicans. Angry anti Obama sour pusses like you always writes he back tracks but never write what he back tracked on!! He is entitled to change his mind as the situation dictates. why don't the repulsicans grow up, stop whining and put some good ideas on the table to improve the country.

"Patnap" has obviously being living in a cave somewhere. Certain groups around the world have hated us since LONG before Obama....LONG before Dubya.....LONG before Clinton.........in fact, Islamist extremists have hated our freedom and our democracy since 1776. "Patnap" obviously doesn't have a clue about international politics or history. Hasn't he/she seen the photos of the Middle East radicals burning the portraits of Obama? Evidently not. "Patnap" is yet another ignorant voter.

Didn't the former VP say that there was WMD's in Iraq. Well we know how that turned out. No WMD's and we attacked a sovereign nation for no reason at all. From faulty information that we obtained by torturing people. This proves that these techniques don't work. If so why is he defending them. You know why because he is not telling the truth. We will be attacked again but it will be because the enemy we fight was given the proof they have been trying to get for years. That our values is only good when everything is nice and peaceful. And the constitution is only apply to things of our choice. In many ways, the terrorist already won because they have made us abandon everything we believed in and value.

Mr. Gergen I am truly shocked by your recent lack of objectivity with respect to our President. I have long valued your honest opinions but have been most disappointed by your acquiesence to the current media environment which discourages any type of honest challenge to the President. We would all be better served by more objective discussion of varied opinions than this trivial support of a President. It is just such empty rhetoric as opposed to honest analysis I had long been accustomed to.

For instance all this talk about if we improve our image in the world that is the best tool against terrorism, has anyone questioned what are image was on 9/10/01? Our image on that day had unequivocally been formed by the Clinton foreign policy (very similar to the current Obama policy) and not the Bush policy at such an early stage in his Presidency, and yet our sterling image did not deter the attacks of the next day.

Empty platitudes do not protect our country...how many times must we learn the same lessons.

I wish the press would press Cheney on what single national problem that was solved during his eight years in office. NONE...zilch...

Maybe Cindy could explain these great "advancemenst" made in eight years on infrastructure, stopping the economic collapse, curing the cost of Medicare, improving the standard of education, looking at the looming bankruptcy of Social Security, saving American jobs, improving the tax system...President Obama had had about 130 days....they had EIGHT YEARS...

If there is one thing we have all learned about this new young president and that is: he's very capable of juggling 6 or more balls in the air at the same time. These are tough times in America. Times that call for a leader to take on challenges of the day with boldness and energy.

What appears to be a miracle is often found to be nothing more than Smoke and Mirrors. The Obamanation is praising the miracles but it may be too late before they realize that it was a fraud. Those who remember the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark will remember the beautiful face of a woman coming as a ghost from the Ark only to turn into their destroyer. Let's hope Obama is discovered for what he is before he can become the destroyer of the United States.

i especially enjoy david comments on ac360.

concise and measured and without an agenda.

i also hope that obama is up to the task and his performances so far indicate he is.

intelligence and an understanding of our "real" constitution has already begun to give people confidence that he is working for their betterment. something not seen during the president cheney years. where it was steady downhill--one mistake, one corruption, one illegality after another. ignoring our laws and refusing to obey them.

a president who is above the law is called a dictator.

A very generous interpretation by Gergen of the "Idea of the Week" approach by the Obama administration. Unfortunately, the Pelosi fiasco and Cheney's speech appear to have taken Barack off his game–look for the media to quickly turn the focus next week to something else so that we can get back on the inexorable march to single payer healthcare and crippling taxation levels.

As for David Gergen...well, there's a good reason he's on CNN. If he thinks any significant portion of the citizenry is equipped to have an intelligent conversation on healthcare and that the media is ready to put honest data out for discussion, then perhaps I should contact him about a bridge in Brooklyn that I have for sale.

WOW... Reading some of these comments, I can see some of these people are republicans! You all are sore losers. And Dick Chaney is the leader of the new sore losers party! Let it go, move over and move on!

This article is filled with instances in which you give Obama the benefit of the doubt.

Maybe if he just focused on a few big issues and actually accomplish them well he would be more effective. From what I see, it seems he's loading up his plate to the brink to cover for his average work he will put in.

What do I know, right? I'm just another bitter Republican who is backwards and offers no solutions.

Bush, like so many other Facist dictators, used catch words like "democracy" as a means to an end, never really believing in them, indeed, he tried to take away so many civil liberties during his reign (like the innocuous and innocent enough sounding so-called "Patriot" Act). He tried to pass laws for capitol punishment and martial law and sending people who resist to internment camps and concentration camps. While these are in fact a long ways down the road, he did put the pieces in place, sewing the seeds for what's to come.

Obama has more of a "community" than he bargained for. I have serious doubts that he is aware of the job he has to do. If his job was to speak with flawless language, he has it down pat.

I just hope he doesn't get us all killed with this attitude he has toward the enemy. His approach is a bit pitiful.

Obama is modernizing the White House strategy. In business it would be absurd to focus on one or two major issues. It is well known in high tech companies that with the right team, you can overcome a multitude of problems simultaneously and efficiently. And when one solution fails to meet the mark, you immediately get to work again and fix it. This is a basic Silicon Valley strategy that I have worked with for the last 10 years.

Mr. Gergen if they President stopped walking you would break your nose.

more "A slobbering love affair" with Obama.

What democracy? Jamming through bills with little thought, review, or consensus? That is NOT good for the country – regardless of which party is in power.

What makes you think another rush job, this time on health care is going to work. Just look behind the scenes at Treasury. Critical people not in place, no clear decision making processes in place, and little movement towards delivering on the many promises of Obama rhetoric.

Auto industry? I own a Chrysler product. It's of mediocre quality. Now the unions are going to own 55% of the company. I will NEVER buy another Chrysler product. Why? Several reason come to mind. One of them is my excellent auto mechanic who when asked, said I should absolutely NOT buy a GM or Chrysler product. Besides the quality issues, he said the unions have gotten involved in the pricing of spare parts and the cost of them have skyrocketed. So instead of avoiding the dealership to escape expensive and predatory repair practices, now you will be stuck with one source, very expensive part prices...

uh, no thanks....

the Obama bubble will prove to be the biggest yet...

now let's see if this makes it past the CNN censors, lol...

Thanks David for your commentary, it was very insightful. Obama is keeping them on the offense, so that he can deliver the plans. Great Strategy!!

The RNC is so dysfunctional right now they can't rally enough support to a water trough. X-VP coming out of his undisclosed location not helpiing. I say, keep the ball moving and deliver on the promises to the American people while the RNC implodes.

Awesome article. I agree with you totally.

Well, David Gergen has finally awaken from his sleep, or at least shed some of the hidden conservatism that I have long believed resided deep within his bones. Nope, wrong: I have a friendly dispostion toward David Gergen because most of the time he is a thoughtful critic despite his tilt toward the right. Jimmie

President Obama is an intelligent, caring, capable man. If his philosophy
of life and his ability to communicate is allowed to permeate our society
we will arrive at common ground and find the answers we need to make
a difference in our world.
I have complete confidence in him.
I wish Cheney would go back to Wyoming and watch his oil wells!
He is trying to undermine Obama and have us return to the atmosphere of fear and arrogance.

Yeah, by keeping the public distracted and taking on too many things at once, Obama is able to cram is extreme agenda down America's throat, without any meaningful debate... oh... and having the media in his back pocket doesn't seem to hurt. The MSM has the attention span of a 2 year old.

Why don't you fools take the time to express how things are continuing to take a nose dive, despite the massive spending and expansion of government. I hated W because he spent so much darn money.. Obama has already eclipsed that, yet i don't hear anyone say boo.

Gergen, you can eat a gherkin, you tool. Grow a back bone and say what needs to be said.

Mr. Gergen:

I only wish the readers (left, right, moderate – whatever) could appreciate with an open mind how balanced and non-partisan your (Mr. Gergen) writings truly are. Whether I agree or disagree with the myriad issues you address, you do it as fairly and objectively as possible on a topic (politics) that almost always displaces the writers and readers to take a side (their own). THAT is nearly impossible and underappreciated by some of your readers.

Like the saying, "a mind is like a parachute – it only works while its open"...so too are y(our) thoughts. It's a pleasure reading your pieces all these years with an open mind....I can only learn more Thanks Dave.

How do we have a debate in this country? The Clinton health care reform was defeated by Fred and Louise– but that's advertising, not debate. Those with a financial interest in keeping the status quo in health care can buy enough advertising to sour the public's enthusiasm for any health care plan, regardless how well thought out. I travel a lot internationally, and in most countries, getting routine health care is like going to the hardware store and buying a screwdriver–not the economic disaster it is for all Americans, whether you're paying $thousands in insurance or forfeiting a week's groceries for a doctor's visit because you don't have the insurance. So, yes, obscene profits are going into the health care system we have. We can't expect a fair debate from the people making that money. Anyone who remembers the early days of the first Clinton Administration will know what to expect. It's no wonder Obama's doing a policy razzle-dazzle.

To Cindy in GA, we could say the same about your response. Just another bitter Republican who no matter what the President does good dead or bad, you will always find a way to spout off negativity. President Obama has done more in 100 days than your buddy Bush did in his entire last year in office. The articles and comments really are useless to changing how we each feel about the President. Democrats will be Democrats and Republicans will be Republicans. We see what we choose to see and not. I support Obama but I can recognize his is not perfect and I don't expect my President to be. I expect him to make mistakes here and there and occasionally fail. But I still stand behind him because he wants to change things for the better.

Why should we only be able to handle 1 or 2 large issues at a time. That is old school thinking. If the Congress could get their act together, and agree to get things done, anything is possible. I believe in Barrack Obama, the first politician I ever campaigned for, in my 58 years.

So Brian your saying, all the complaints about every single last president that didn't live up to some magical standard is because the nation didn't support him?

Ahh so Dem, Reps indies...there you have it. Even if you get voted you won't be supported. And good ol Obama will lose all this in a year....and be just another president people aren't happy with.

President Obama definitely has a full plate of problems. He has shown to be both willing and able to tackle them and to do so in a way that is consistent with his campaign promises. He does reach out to the opposition, but he also works to bring about the needed changes he promised over their objections. I applaud him and think we are lucky to have this man to lead us when so much is at stake. May God guide him and keep him safe.

There's a reason to all of this:

Healthcare reform – there is practically a universal consensus that there needs to be reform one way or another, a consensus that was lacking during Clinton years.

Also like it or not, a bad and faltering economy gives more public support to healthcare reform, when unemployment rate is high, more people are worried about losing health care. So yes, now is the best time to pass healthcare reform in decades, if not ever.

If Republician really wants to block Healthcare reform (I don't see why they would want to, it's a pro-small business initiative, and helps American business compete on a more equal playing field compare to foreign competitors who don't have to be burdened with providing employee health.) their best strategy is to try to drag this out until the economy recovers. Like any good Americans, we'll all begin to think more about how to make more money instead of worrying about a safety net.

There is an old saying in bird hunting if you throw up enough lead eventually you will hit something. I disagree with you Mr. Gergen. The most inexperienced President of this century and the previous one dealing in the worst financial period this country has faced. He is destroying the value of the greenback and soon the credit standing of the US. Introducing the worst legislation possibe in the time of a recession. Deficit spending, Cap & Trade, Healthcare, higher taxes on those that already pay the most. Please put down your glass of kool-aid and rose shaded glasses.

More so now than ever large segments within the United States want to bring our own leadership down. When Bush was in office, a large segment wanted him stopped because he was so obviously damaging our credibility, our economy, our security and our public health. I was one of those who thought "compassionate conservative" sounded good until it showed itself as only a campaign slogan.

Now the other side wants to bring Obama down out of spite. We have a man in charge who is attacking all of our problems with reason, thoughtfulness and true compassion. But instead of being grateful for a president who is truely sacrificing for our welfare, selfish conservatives would rather he fail than concede authority.

Add that ball to the juggling mix.

Yes, Obama has a lot on his plate, but why? We know he inherited these messes. Where would we be if he could only handle one or two major issues at a time? He has no choice but to handle them.

I am not worried because I believe he is surrounded by competent people. They do the research, bring it to him, he reviews it and consults with his advisors. Isn't that the way it should be done? Yes, the buck stops with him, his pragmatism comes with great thoughtfulness.

For those who say he has not addressed or done enough on certain issues...give me a break! Give him a chance. He can't get to everything within even 200 days!

As for Dick Cheney, he needs to 'just go away' as Meghan McCain suggested of the older generation Republicans. I find it ironic that Cheney can't keep his mouth shut now but when he was in office he was so very quiet. Sounds to me like he is trying to justify his and W's breaking the law....I repeat...breaking the law!

Carolyn – GA

I think President Obama is doing a terrific job. He is taking on a lot, but I think it is necessary that he do so as they are all connected – the wars, the economy, health care, energy – each is affected by the other. I really wish Cheney would go away and stop with the fear mongering. The Obama Administration has so much on their plate, they really don't need this negative distraction.

President Obama does have extreme challenges, and folks need to remember he inherited Bush and Cheney's mess. He's talking about 250 detainees could be sent to the empty prison in Montana.
Why sour grapes? Cheney, Limbaugh, Insanity Hannity, and all the rest are acting as if our president wants "terrorists" to move next door, and mow the lawn? Has Sirhan Sirhan escaped? Timothy McVeigh? Charles Manson?

Dick Cheney and his crew freed over 500 prisoners from Gismo (and 14% went back to Al Quada), PRIOR to President Obama taking office.
Two-thirds of the detainees released by BUSH before Barrack Obama became president. Where are they now? What do you think they are doing?

Where is the logic in Cheney opening his mouth against the current president? Or does he really think he's CHA? (Covering his...)

Dick Cheney is a private citizen who is talking himself right into federal prison. He's not the president, and is doing the nation a disservice with his fear mongering. He's hypocritical, dishonest, and I wish the media would ignore his bias ratings, as well as, Limbaugh.

What he is doing is giving the congress directives and projects to work on, which is what a good executive does. He's letting the lawmakers craft the laws for a change instead of dropping thousands of pages in their collective lap and tell them to sign it or else.

I think that once the committees have enough of a concept to present to the president and the people the serious debate will begin. I also think that the final legislation will not be exactly what's presented at first. There are negotiations and debates to be had, the voices of the general public to be heard and finally compromises made on both sides of each issue. With all the things that are being developed it's not surprising that there isn't enough to have an intelligent debate about yet.

During the campaign, President Obama's promise to the people was that he would work with congress to achieve certain goals. Then he laid out those goals. Anyone who thinks he was talking in absolutes wasn't paying enough attention and probably did not have enough managerial experience to know how things work in an organization the size of the U.S. government.

Ya, BO has done well. So far, he's apologized to the world, embraced an American hater, confused everyone on GTMO, crammed through a spending bill that was weak on stimulus and long on wasted spending, crammed through a budget that is full of waste, broke bankruptcy laws with his gift to the unions of Chrysler, and about ready to do the same with GM. Ya, he's something. Can't wait to see the "reform" of health care. A system that has been in place forever will be "reformed" in a few months. Typical liberal, media garbage – all flash, no substance.

the analysis, as things appear today, seems really pragmatic. the crises created by cheny and his gang is undoubtedly a great opportunity for obama administration to fix. cheny boasts of his socalled success claiming that no attack took place after 9/11. but he did not tell that he and his disciple bush failed to thawrt 9/11 inspite of the fact that intelligence warned about it well ahead, and bush cheny instead kept themselves busy to recruit friendly contractors whom to offer big contracts without competition.
it is good that cheny has surfaced himself to take up the republican leadership along with rush.

Hey Cindy from GA,

Ya'll hate much? *boggle*

Thank you Mr. Gergen for putting the challenges & issues that the current administration and Americans have to deal with, especially when another conservative blowhard has nothing constructive but more fear-mongering.

I don't remember ever{and I've been around a long time} has the ex vice president ripped away at a newly elected president {three months plus| with such a fanatical display of running scared. Mr. Cheney realizes that his place in history is aimed at the dumper and he's fighting to save it. When he talks watch his face, look at his eyes. He looks scared in his own little world of frustration. As to the subject matter at this time, the prisoner thing, that is just one more of the many,many things the new administration will ultimatly come to a conclusion on and they will handle it . Mr. Cheney, just move on and let them deal with it.You are yesterday..

WHY ARE THERE STILL PEOPLE SAYING THAT OBAMA IS BACK TRACKING ON HIS PROMISES WHEN HE' ONLY BEEN IN THE WHITE HOUSE FOR LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS? Get a life people.

"He" isn't doing anything, except to continue the campaign and issue executive orders. He cedes the details to congress and to compare their legislation to sausage-making is an insult to sausage. All of us care deeply about health care reform and health care by the govt. is not reform. Prostate mortality in England or Canada is double the U.S., regardless of insurance issues here. Breast cancer mortality is 150% of ours in those same govt run systems. We have a president who thinks the country is broken and is trying to reshape our very model of governance while there is still single political party ownership of life, the universe and everything. What someone who has as narrow an adult life experience as he has doesn't understand is the government causes most of the really large problems, this latest crisis being no exception. Milton Friedman where are you? For that matter, how about Eisenhower?

It is time for VP Dick Cheney to shut up and go away. The World has turned the page. America's moral standing has been restored. No more naive and stupid justification of torture. This guy is a bleeding ideologue and onely one.

Gergen is a political hack. He has been on more sides than Spector. So his admiration of a "community organizer" is suspect. What is lacking here is a "leader" in the Whire House. Go to Notre Dame and miss the point, they are killing 3600 babies each day because their mothers do not want to have a pregancy interrupt their lives.

America was attacked, in a diabolical way, over 3000 killed, and up till then had not "waterboarded" anyone. The prime objective of government is the protection of its citizens. Clinton did not "prevent" 9/11 during his eight years of cutting the military and the intellegence community. In fact his lack of understanding of the threat posed may have elevated the risk and contributed to scope of the attack.

My problem with Bush/Chaney was that they did not know how to fight a war, unit the final surge. "Speak softly and carry a big stick". The problem today is that the there is no respect for the "stick". And the current administration will not get the other side to respect the "stick" by talking them to death.

Finally as to the "activity" shown by the administration, just remember, "It is better to do a few things well, than many things half as–ed"

Just calmly look realistically at the "stimulus package" How far we have come from those "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country"

A few years from now the pundits will be saying, "What did they do to our country?"

Why Am I not surprised by what Cheney says. He is still trying to sell his fear administration. Well Dick it is time to quietly go away to wherever it is that someone respects you. Just where that is I am not sure. But Please go away. I am not only embarrassed but infuriated that the US was not only torturing people but that they changed the laws to say it was ok. The US is so much better and above this.

Correction. The story about an empty, state-of-the-art facility in Montana willing to take the terrorists over sex-offenders I saw on cable.
The commentator offered the idea, since they have to be tried in federal courts. We agree. We're saying since it's empty, it should be a consideration.
Also, the former VP has the right to express his views, (no matter how crazy, or inaccurate),but he's abusive. Cheney's fear/hate speech right after the president is unprecedented, and in my view, disrespectful.

You are right. The last thing the president needs at this time is "torture" from Cheney who seems so out of touch with the humanity and cares very little for economy.

No offense to dr. gupta but why should we here from him about Pres. Obama's challenges? Last time I heard the President was in good health..........

Ever get your vehicle caught in the mud? It can do 60 MPH without going anywhere. This is about the same 'forward movement' we're seeing from the Obama administration. There's a lot of dashboard activity, the wheels are turning and the gas is burning, but in the end nothing of any consequence is getting done.

Yep! We got a busy man and he is getting things done. A real politician who knows how to beat the old Whigs. Go Obama.

Leadership matters. President Obama has accomplished more in his first weeks than Bush & Cheney bungled through in eight years. Pathetically, as they exited in disgrace, Bush & Cheney attempted to cast their legacy with the phrase" whether you agreed with us not, you have to agree that we made the tough decisions." How sad.
The "deferred maintenance" in America has almost brought this great country to its knees.
And more appropriately, the question isn't "did we make tough decisions" the question is, "did we make the right decisions?" Here is a partial list of dreadful decisions that will haunt us for years–and in some cases–generations to come: Environment, (includes dozens or disastrous decisions like, Kyoto, water rights and standards, emission standards...) health care, Katrina (this includes decimating FEMA with political hacks like Brown), Iraq, Afganistan (cherry-picking intelligence to support predetermined war), firing federal attorneys (includes long-term damage to the DOJ) , stem cells, torture... I never imagined Bush would be this bad. But when I look at his eight year record, I'm reminded of one of Bush's favorite phrases..."they hate our way of life."

What makes Cheney and expert on Security? Why isn't Bush speaking out, because he also detests Cheney lying to him about Iraq.

I detest Cheney, here is a guy that had five deferments during the Vietnam War while we were being drafted. Here is a guy that can't shoot straight and nearly killed a fellow hunter. There is a lot to be said about his character. Here is a guy that promoted war so his Haliburton stocks would go up and make him very rich and it did.

Who was our VP on 9/11 ? Mr. Cheney you failed us and you have no credibility and no intestinal fortitude. Go back to Nebraska and pick corn and write a book about phoney life.

Hello CNN,
Go home Dick Cheney and join the church choir. There you will be free to sing old country songs like, "Yesterday's wine." Go home and grow up! Grow up America! Grow up! And fess up while we are at it. Let;s just confess here and now that we've moved into a different day. The last show is over. Somebody clean up the stage, turn out the light on the old show and make way for the carpenters of a new age. This gang has written a whole new drama. There are different actors and this baby has a whole new plot. Now that we've hired a new Director named Barack Obama and new characters from China and Iran and too many other places to name them all, its a whole new show Baby. Starting times, programs, advertisement and cost are going to be different. Lorraine Hansberry once wrote that "Man will do what the Ape never will. Man will impose on life a new meaning for life." Grow up America! It's a whole new show. Popcorn anyone?

Perhaps the reason that Obama can move on so many fronts at once is that his thinking appears to be one mile wide and one inch deep.

If all goes as is planned, America will be less safe, health care will be rationed, we will continue to have one of the poorest K-12 systems among industrialized nations, and wind and solar energy will go nowhere.

Great perspective Mr Gergen ,i to have seen my share of events and challenges presidents have faced in my years .And to say our president today has few to deal with is far from the truth.His plate is adding up so quickly that it is hard to imagine anyone in his position enjoying a restful nights sleep.But i must say the the change that is taking place in the white house and our policies abroad are like night and day from the last administration.And i am not sure if that is such a good idea with one standing out to me is our security and national issues.only time will tell and i hope and prey we are doing the right decisions for our safety and for our men and women that serve this great nation we live in today. God Bless The USA

Daniel D. Immediato

Obama has his hands full, but I'm somewhat pleasantly surprised he has managed to maintain an even keel. He deserves kudos whether you are democrat or republican.

On the other hand, I believe that the fight against al queda provides enough smoke to obscure the fact that Cheney exhibits a high degree of paranoia. The problem is I can't decide what the exact cause of his paranoia is. Is he really afraid of al queda? (if so why the neglect in Afghanistan?) or, is he afraid of being exposed as the treasonous bastard he really is.

why can't more people think like david gergen?very smart man i think he would make a great supreme court judge!he has common sense,political knowledge on both sides,and knows our very complex and hard to understand law of goverment.CNN please put david's name out there.thank you jojo

I agree that having an intelligent debate about issues like health care should bring about better solutions but it seems like the days of intelligent debate are over. Special interest groups flood the debate with so much misinformation that irrational and illogical choices win out or fear is instilled so things remain the same.

There is no one bad mouthing the health care plan because it isn't out yet. Debate, great, but there is nothing to debate until we see what his health care plan is. To Patnap, "They do not hate us now". You gotta be kidding me. Some of our troops were killed over there today and how about those three that got caught trying to bomb the jews in NYC and wanted to shoot down one of our fighter planes.

Dear Mr. Gergen,

As a keen Canadian observer of US politics, I was heartened by your assessment of Pres. Obama's performance during the initial months of his new administration.

I have personally never been quite so impressed by a US President, nor have I ever been quite so willing to accede to America's leadership in the world stage.

Amid the many crises and sweeping reforms on Pres. Obama's plate, I believe one of his biggest and most intractable challenges is the exceedingly poor quality of the public discourse at home, as framed by a venal, partisan and ultimately compromised media and political establishment. In that respect, you are a much welcome antidote.

The way Mr. Cheney behaves these days deserve the lesson of torture for himself. He seem to be disinterested for the promotion of dignity of US but very much engaged in personal pointless arrogance But he is sure more educated than Rush Limbaugh though.
iy

Gee Gergen... Once again, you only partially get it... When you say, "I wish we could have a larger debate on the issue".

You laude the ability of these people to juggle BS in huge numerous and quick succession but then at the last minute you wonder about whether or not the results will be based on a qualitative assessment or debate. Well they won't be.

These people (Obama’s Socialist Democrats) know that a hail of BS becomes dauntingly confusing. That the debate snuffed by demagoguery and fluffery is not so nearly effective as one that just doesn't really see the light of day.

These people are arrogant , think they know what’s best and know that the camels nose under the tent is as good as the whole camel. Along with that they believe a lousy start is best taken advantage of. Opportunists at raping the country they cannot wait for the date drug, Obamamania to wear off. Best to do the deed while the subject is still dazed and confused. Let the public realize they have been screwed when they are “pregnant” with the responsibility of the Obama cult rape- child… embedded socialism.

In any case, it is typical Gergenisms to gush about the quality of political slight of hand and at the same time not understand that a wrong and unpatriotic load of ubiquitous socialistic slop we are going to have our national system injected with…

It is so time for a 'national unified single payer' health care insurance system in America.
Notice 'insurance system', not nationalized health care, like in some European countries, but like in the Canadian province of Ontario for example.
There Dr's and health care providers are private business persons just like here, just all the 'wasted money' going to for-proft insurance companies is instead applied to the betterment of real people's health! We all pay taxes to support and expect protection from our military equally for every one, What is different about health care? Is it just that the enemies are smaller bacteria, virus and genes attacked by toxins than compared to possible foreign invaders with guns and bombs? Is it really not the same concept of the 'people's general welfare, protection and security'? Poor health care is far more 'deadly' to the population than any foreign military EVER has been!

If the health of it's people is not a primary concern of a countries national governemt, then what is a national government really for?

My completion of enduring eight arduous years with Chaney apparently has'nt ended. Seeing our constitution erode and our national character sink to unprecedented lows, I had hoped that with the election of our new president, that Mr. Chaney's dictatatorship had ended. How wrong i was as this oil man from texas now continues to try and undermine our elected president. History will eventually show the evil of this wanna be dictator as time will surely judge him. The world already has judged him.....

There are so many things that are regrettable about modern day political discourse - closing Gitmo means terrorists on the street, healthcare for all means government controlled health care decisions, and so on. One of the most regrettable aspects of modern day political culture is the fiction known as the "flip-flop."

If I were your average policy wonk, or (with all due respect to some CNN correspondents) a journalist, I might consider your about face on this issue, Mr. Gergen, to be a flip-flop. First, you said Obama was juggling too much, now you are impressed and see the need for fast-paced action on multiple fronts. That's ok with me. Why? Because a flip-flop based upon new information is not a flip-flop. It's a sound decision revised to reflect a new reality. In this case, you have come to the same conclusion that I have reached which is that there are too many pressing issues of the day to have a one-track mind in the White House. I agree.

I for one am thankful that we have a president that is moving on so many fronts. Look at the new CAFE standards and emissions standards. Amazingly, Obama got former litigants California and Detroit on board without a lot of grandstanding by either side. So much for improved fuel economy and lower emissions ruining a national industry, I guess. And that's but one issue our president is facing today.

We have many issues demanding attention. If President Obama wants to handle a bit more than he can chew, let him. The contrary is what we do not need: stonewalling, delay and inaction in the face of desperate need for action and reform.

I fully trust the brains and the integrity of President Obama, as a man and being human. Smartest one we've had for quite a bit. Thank you, David Gergen for your perspective. I had recently reflected to my husband how Obama places deadlines for major projects (bills) and expects the congress to get it done. Cudos to all those on CNN, great staff! (Been watching since the last primaries.)

patnap:

VP Cheney is a statesman. He has years of experience. he and Bush defended this country from terrorist attacks for 8 years. The American people respect them for that, regardless what the news media would have you believe. If he sees egregious security lapses, of course he will speak up, and people will listen.

The democrats were always weak on security. Obama owes his political life to the political left and is himself a lefty.

But terrorists are watching very move. They will pounce at the slightest crack. And, lest we forget for one moment there will be hell to pay.

Closing Gitmo, publicizing secret CIA memos, are terrible early missteps applauded by Al-Kaeda and all of our enemies (who no longer hate us because Bush is gone).

Finally, someone is commenting on the current state of affairs with a cool head and some reason! Listen to David Gergen! He knows his stuff! President Obama has been in office barely four months; give the guy a chance! It took Bush & Cheney eight years to screw up the country. I don't agree with everything Mr. Obama does, but I am willing to give him a chance. The Obama Administration faces unprecedented challenges in this post-9/11 world. He needs our support and he's got mine. Cheney and company criticized anyone who spoke against the government as un-patriotic, but now it's okay for them to do it? Give me a break! The GOP is lost and is clutching at straws. They'll hang themselves eventually.

Mr Gergen has disgraced himself once again by his foolishness. Do you think Barack the Great would be so "successful" without a tingly legged press corps and a lapdog Congress. Get ready Dems, your arrogance will make your comeuppance a gleeful event. Oh by the way, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush all had their plates full. For Mr Gergen to suggest that Barack the Great is somehow busier than his predecessors belies the truth: he has less or as much as any of them. Remeber Vietnam, Cold War, 20% int rates and inflation, etc. The only difference between then and now is the tingly legged press corp and Twitter.

Cheney has been more vocal since the election than his entire
eight years in office.He took cover in his "undisclosed' location
instead of letting the people see him at work.Now all he did is
criticizes at least Bush respected Pres. Obama togive him his
silence. I say it's time Cheney show respect and shut the hell up
his time has passed he didn't do squat while in office so just mosey
on you sour old fart. You need to be locked away for shooting your
"friend" in the face.Begone you sore looser get gone you crotchety
impotent old man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He is pressing forward on so many different fronts that it is hard for his opponents to focus their fire. Love it. Where did Cheney get the idea that people like to hear what he thinks or even his opinion is
worth anything. He should be lucky that he is not in jail as a war criminal. Somebody tell this liar to get lost.

Yes Afghanistan et. al will be a challenge, but I believe it will be handled well by President Obama.

I just have to say this though; while Anderson, you and your pundits, talk about Americans doing this and that in these countries; you never mention Canada, or our combat troops that have been in Afghanistan ever since Bush/Cheney dropped the ball!!!

Canada is what? a country that is your northern neighbour for one, and is a country of what 35 M! and we stayed there when no other UN Country wanted to be in the thick of things!

At least President Obama has the courtesy to talk to Canada's Prime Minister, (Stephen Harper) before he sent troops to Afghanistan.

hi i think obama has the right idea he has been honest since the begining and i think he knows exacly what he is doing

I understand President Obama is trying to do what he thinks is best for this country and I am behind him 110%. Our Vice President has NO say in foreign affairs anymore and he thinks that he can fix this. Just let the people who are in office now do their job please! He keeps saying all they wanted to do was protect americans and so many american lives have been saved by this, yes, they may have. We are forgetting the most important people in this- The American Soldier! What happens to them? We can't just keep sending them over there. We need to keep some troops home and a few over there just to make sure things are in order.

As a Obama supporter, I have in the first hundred days totally changed my opinion of Obama. He is actually scaring me with what he says in news conferences. He spends half his talki pointing back to the previous administration, and constantly states how he inherited all the bad choices Obama is making (bailouts and stimulus) on the Bush administration. Then he says 'There are those who would like the point fingers'.............hello Obama, you just wasted half your press conference pointing fingers instread of telling us your detailed plans for the very hasty decisions you keep making. It's like the alcoholic who points to others and says "I think you have a drinking problem." I'm beginning to think we need a physcological evaluation of the president. Is he for real? Address what you're doing today in detail.....I truely don't care what Bush did.....I paid atttention to that when Bush was in office. So now realize Obama, you're president, not a victim of the Bush administration. If you didn't think you could handle the job of president, then step down, and let someone else who's not going to play the victim, lead this country. I'm very disappointed in Obama's speeches. Stop considering yourself a victim of the Bush administration and start being a leader who has a detailed plan before he acts. Sometimes I forget who is in office Bush or Obama...........as much as Obama points back at Bush. Has any President in history spent so much time blaming and playing the victim?

I am writing from Kenya, though am Zambian originally. Just want to express my comment: I think Obama is on the right track so far. Let people give him more time, he can't fulfill all the promises he made in just 100 days and over. Bush's administration was a disaster and left a lot of issues to be delt with.

I hated his approach, especially the wars he and his father have started around the globe. if they really cared as they claim about Africa, Zimbabwe would not have been in the state it is now. Sanctions do not help. The ordinarly Zimbabweans are suffering in the name of Mugabe. America is powerful. Why not uproot Mugabe like they did with Saddam, though he did no harm to bush.

He's a truly ambitious President. We haven't seen one in long time.

It's all in who he has helping him as President. He's assembled a young,brilliant, energetic greoup. Thus far, this team is serving him well. When one ceases to be an asset, hopefully, he'll replace
them and continue to move forward...in this climate, no lackees.

Mr. Gergen, excellent article! I have faith in President Obama and his abilities to handle several problems at once. We must give him the benefit for he was indeed handed a total mess. Having the Senate & Congress work together on health care is a great idea. Different ideas, it brings people together, and the President as the final authority.

You commented on all that is on his plate. Now add Dick Cheney and his daughter. Torture 13: they authorized it, they decided how to implement it, they crafted the legal fig leaf to justify it, and now they are covering their rears. In doing so, they spread fear and we are less safe.

The President is moving forward as he cleans up after others. We, as a nation, need to become more involved and more supportive.

It is encourging to have a president who possesses authentic intelligence. Apart from charisma and world class communication skills, he is an early champion among politicians. Predsident Obama knows how to "eat an elephant" - one bite at a time. He is also grounded in truth...public debate is a great ally to truth. Let us continue to debate vigorously these most serious issues of our time. This country is in the midst of a profound shake-up. Tradition and party principles will be tested as we work through major issues. I, for one, am glad Obama is at the helm. I believe we have a predident who wants to put our nation on a path in line with the best intentions of the US Constitution. These conversations help citizens to get involved.

I sure hope he's consistently getting enough sleep and exercise and is still laying off the smokes, all essentials in his situation.

It seems to me that the current administration is being thrown from one big time headline to the next. What they need to do is tackle one important thing, fix that and the hell with the other things. Then move to the next. That is what leaders should do. They should block out paper work and negativity.

Good account Mr. Gergen; the 21st century requires us to be multi-tasking; the president is a living example.
Should the American people give him support, he has the chance to change the course of the country for the better.

Charles
Dallas

You can't afford to let things linger. Multi-tasking would only hurt you in the long run. It's still there. Put it all on a little peice of paper, then draw. One thing at a time and one day at a time.

In other words ....take the bull by the horns. Don't let Carter have liver pills. and all that.

There is only one thing to do. Get back home and tend to home related stuff. Take on the big dogs and park your sled in the shed. Cut off less important stuff.