"FOR THE GOOD OF THE NATION" - THE SPEECH OBAMA SHOULD DELIVER, AND THE SOONER THE BETTER!

NEW YORK TIMES: THE DEMOCRATS ARE FINALLY GETTING IT:

Democrats are expressing growing alarm about President Obama’s re-election prospects and, in interviews, are openly acknowledging anxiety about the White House’s ability to strengthen the president’s standing over the next 14 months.

Elected officials and party leaders at all levels said their worries have intensified as the economy has displayed new signs of weakness. They said the likelihood of a highly competitive 2012 race is increasing as the Republican field, once dismissed by many Democrats as too inexperienced and conservative to pose a serious threat, has started narrowing to two leading candidates, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry, who have executive experience and messages built around job creation.

And in a campaign cycle in which Democrats had entertained hopes of reversing losses from last year’s midterm elections, some in the party fear that Mr. Obama’s troubles could reverberate down the ballot into Congressional, state and local races.

(MORE ON THE DEMOCRAT REALIZATION OF THEIR COMING MELTDOWN HERE.)

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

OBAMA COULD STAND DOWN.

HERE'S THE SPEECH HE SHOULD DELIVER - (IT HAS ALL THE NARCISSISTIC TOUCHES THAT WOULD APPEAL TO HIM):

My fellow Americans:

The problems we face now here at home and across the globe are in a critical stage. Partisan politics have no place in times like this. And neither do personal agendas.

As it has in the past, the entire world is looking to the United States of America to lead humanity back from the brink of global war and darkness and into the fields of light, peace, and prosperity.

American presidents have always borne this responsibility with humility and courage. And by drawing inspiration from those who have served before me, I have tried to meet these challenges with the same determination and optimism.

But these are different times.

Heightened partisanship and a non-stop 24 hour news cycle dominated by "gotcha" yellow journalism has made statesmanship more difficult than ever - despite the world needing it more than ever.

Partisan posturing has become especially pernicious recently, as we have entered an election cycle. Now, the bipartisan compromises and non-partisan strategies we most need are all but impossible.

I see only one way to erase the partisan divide which is preventing the effective actions our nation - and the world - are crying out for.

And that is why tonight I am announcing that I will not seek a second term.

By removing myself from the partisan political equation I hope to elevate the debate, remove the biggest stumbling block to national unity, and bring the full force of this great and united nation back together again so that together we can meet the challenges we now face.

I could do no less. Personal ambition is meaningless compared to advancing the cause of liberty and prosperity and to protecting the American Dream.

It has been my honor to lead the Democrat party the last three years. I pass that responsibility to others. From this day forward, I have only one job. It is not personal or political. It transcends politics. It is purely humanitarian.

I am sure with this new non-political and non-personal approach members of Congress and I will rise to the occasion - in unified action, as the Congress and past presidents have always done since our nation's founding.

Now, we have one job to do - together: Bind the nation's wounds and roll up our sleeves.

I look forward to it with all my heart, with what wisdom God has given me, and with the courage I get from your support and prayers.

Thank You.

And God Bless America.

WELL A GUY CAN DREAM, CAN'T HE!?

I KNOW:

IT'S NOT THE SPEECH BILL AYERS OR AXELROD OR TRUMKA OR RAHM OR HOFFA WOULD WRITE FOR HIM, BUT... A GUY CAN DREAM, CAN'T HE!

UPDATE: A WEEK LATER AND THE CHICAGO TRIB AGREES!