So, I think that President Obama and the Democrats have to be careful not to overreach as they move forward on key features of the new president’s agenda, namely comprehensive health care reform, (a single payer system is now possible) restructuring of the nation’s educational system, and of course, how we source and produce energy.

Many congressional democrats will be tempted to push further, pursuing an agenda that will not only exclude, of course, the Republicans, but also moderate Democrats. President Obama would be wise to remember what happened to President Bush when he pursued a purely Republican agenda. W’s flagship policy proposal, privatizing Social Security, fell entirely flat.

In my view, President Obama is smart enough to temper the immeidate power he now finds himself with long-term wisdom. It is in Obama’s personal interest and indeed that of the Democratic Party itself, not to abuse this current opportunity with frivolous initiatives, nonsensical pet projects and pork spending.

Much of what is on the Democrats’ agenda seeks to remedy much of the country’s long term problems: a dysfunctional healthcare system, a declining economy and an untenable foreign policy. All these issues must be addressed head on and President Obama will do just that. However, he must have the restraint to implement sensible policy, free of the backslapping and inside deals that brought down the Republicans when they were in the same position he finds himself now.