A Non-Starter

National Journal's Ron Fournier catalogs the "summer of discontent" just ended. A few key paragraphs:

Wow. That was some summer. The Islamic State that President Obama dismissed as "JV" proved to be a virulent varsity—gobbling up gobs of the Middle East, beheading an American journalist (actually 2), and threatening the United States. Russia invaded Ukraine. Ferguson burned. Obama shrugged.

What's unique about our times is the nature of the threats—suicidal, homicidal, genocidal terrorists, well armed and organized, seeking the destruction of the United States. The other difference: the lack of Western leadership, starting with the president himself.

Democrats had comforted themselves in polls showing that a majority of Americans want their country less involved in global affairs, particularly military conflicts. Belatedly, leading members of Obama's party are recognizing an inconvenient truth: While people don't want their president to be hawkish, they hate to see him weakish.

Obama asked twice to be elected. He wanted the job. He knew its challenges (including the existence of social media). He thought he could lead. When does he get started?

When indeed? Hat tip to Lucianne.com for the link.