We’ve got some enormous challenges out there…. And I am confident that the American people and America’s political leaders can come together in a bipartisan way and solve these problems. We always have. But we’re not going to be able to do it if we are distracted. We’re not going to be able to do it if we spend time vilifying each other. We’re not going to be able to do it if we just make stuff up and pretend that facts are not facts. We’re not going to be able to solve our problems if we get distracted by sideshows and carnival barkers.

BARACK OBAMA, remarks in press briefing room, Apr. 27, 2011

“So step right up, folks, and feast your eyes on this shiny object that has nothing to do with the problems I’ve caused that I’m hoping I can make you not pay any attention to!”