THE BEER SUMMIT

Obama, Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Sgt. James Crowley of the Cambridge, Mass., police are scheduled to gather over beers at a picnic table outside the Oval Office.

I've been an enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama since the beginning. While still solidly in his camp, I have been critical of what I deem a less than forceful approach to the Democrats in Congress. Not to read too much into this, but his choice of the beer he will drink at this event does give me pause. Instead of any robust strong beer, he will be having a watery, wimpy beer, Bud Light.

THE PUBLIC OPTION

We need a public plan for effective reform of the health care system. So President Obama must bring the recalcitrant Democrats into line.

If the threat to run a primary challenge against them doesn't work, lock each one in a room where Rahm Emanuel can speak to them while Reggie Love hovers.

NEWS AND COMMENT

Palin Steps Down As Alaska Governor

Would her expected 2012 presidential campaign have a better chance of success if she ran for only half a term?