Close elections tend to break toward the challenger because undecided voters - having held out so long against the incumbent - are by nature looking for change.

Political reporters and political professionals rushed to judgment against Romney because we crave clear, unambiguous story lines.

In times of tumult, voters are likely to forgive a president, if not reward him, for compromises made in service of solutions.

Obama won the presidency on the strength of his message and the skills of the messenger. Now the talk of hope and change feels out of tune when so many Americans are out of work, over-mortgaged, and worried that life will be even tougher for their children.

Christie led the way - with a bulldozer. The governor is blunt, brash, and self-consciously authentic, the antithesis to what turns off today's voters: flip-flopping politicians who speak in poll-tested platitudes. Yes, he's the anti-Romney.

The question is whether voters, particularly independents, believe that Obama truly values personal liberty and responsibility as much as the government-bought safety net.