In the short term, like it or not, much Democratic compromise is an unavoidable consequence of democracy: current politics dictate it. But going forward, Democrats can change the politics by campaigning more effectively.

Should progressives beware? Has Barack Obama suckered them into supporting a President who will really govern from the "center-right?" The short answer is no.

When I wrote my first column about the "center-right nation" and subsequently launched the "Center-Right Nation Watch" series on this blog I predicted...

On both values and issues, moderates line up with liberals to form a strong majority that isolates conservatives. Conservatives have had their day. This is a center-left, not a center-right nation.

If Republicans want to doubt what theoretically happened on November 4, that's their right. But it doesn't change the reality.