Yglesias is irked by them:
Back when Republicans were unpopular because of the poor economy in late 2008, Barack Obama’s calm demeanor amidst economic crisis was said to be key to his popularity. Then when Democrats became unpopular because of the poor economy in late 2009, Barack Obama’s calm demeanor amidst economic crisis was said to be the key to his unpopularity. But if the economy improves, then conventional wisdom about every single aspect of Obama’s personality and policy agenda will pivot around that fact. With the economy in the dumps, the health care bill is liberal overreach. If the economy improves, the health care bill will be said to demonstrate the genius of pushing a moderate proposal with no public option. Just you wait.
Having been through this cycle a couple more times than Matt has, even I have been struck by the lame predictability of the media's sudden turn.
Nothing we didn't know – but confirmation nonetheless: too many in the media don't have any view but what is outside themselves. They're afraid to be biased, and therefore too quick to jump on what seems like the majority mood at any time. I remain of the view that Obama's temperament is still a great asset; as his attention to policy; and his obvious mixture of great egotism and epistemic modesty. I think he understands that playing the GOP political narrative game can trap you. Politics is not a game, in his view. And in the end, I suspect Americans will go with the adult, not the swooning adolescents.
The Dish 