Midterm Correction: A Mulligan for Hope and Change?

Both parties on Capitol Hill need time to let the smoke clear over last Tuesday’s electoral battlefield.  Republicans and Democrats must choose new leaders, set their agendas, pick committee chairs, and orient the largest class of freshly elected lawmakers in more than a half-century.

The president must recalibrate his political and governing tactics. No doubt there will be plenty of fights ahead with Republicans over the next two years.  Taking two major fiscal policy flashpoints off the table for now would give him chance to reset the political GPS system.

For Obama Tuesday provides a chance to do a mid-term correction -- an opportunity to show he can do more than just talk about hope and change, but also apply it to his governing strategy.