Reporter's Note: I write to President Obama each day, and I imagine he has more time to read my letters on some days than on others.

Dear Mr. President,

Brace yourself. I think it is going to be quite a Thursday.

Seems like everyone in the whole town is poised to see what the Supreme Court is going to do with your health care reform legislation. I hear the odds makers are taking money against you, which can’t be very encouraging. Whether the court dismantles all or part of your legislation, either way it will make a bad start to a long weekend in the White House. I’m not saying it will go that way, but if the betting crowd is right, hang on tight…

On top of that, it looks like your attorney general, Eric Holder, is going to be ripped by Congress over the Fast and Furious affair. That won’t be pleasant either.

But look at the positive side.

First, if you get slammed by two bits of bad news in one day the headlines will be awful, but the twin messes will compete with each other for a single news cycle instead of each enjoying a luxurious 48 hours to itself.

Second, when things are going bad, sometimes it is best if they reach some sort of turning point, no matter how painful, because only then can you start rebuilding. Hey, would you rather have these things sitting out there waiting to ripen right before November?

And third…uh…I don’t know…something about lemons and lemonade.

Anyway, as always, my phone is on in case you want to talk. As you know, I can’t take sides, but I’m always happy to listen. And it may be that you’ll want to say a few things before tomorrow is done.

Regards,
Tom