I think the new combativeness coming out of the White House will only increase — given growing unhappiness over increased joblessness, the omnipresence of old Clinton-era attack dogs, new public doubts that vast new government programs are really the answer to what was in part a government Freddie- and Fannie-inspired crisis, and, especially, the sheer novelty of anyone questioning the messianic Barack Obama. For nearly two decades in local, Senate, and presidential races, Obama’s signature speeches and rhetorical tropes — someone else left a mess; “they”, “some,” and “others” have created false choices; spending more money saves money; the “Make no mistake about” and “Let me be perfectly clear” formulas; I am not your traditional politician; hope and change to the rescue — have won the public over. But if they don’t this time, then someone must pay?