Obama and his supporters tend to be much more comfortable with some cognitive dissonance. That is actually part of Obama’s personality profile – he is good at seeing problems from multiple perspectives, and assessing dispassionately.

Likewise, progressives tend to be less likely to be disturbed by cognitive dissonance than conservatives.

http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v10/n10/abs/nn1979.html

Obama should be able to deliver on much of his platform within the first term, given a compliant congress. However, he will not risk his second term by moving too quickly. His first term will be a deliberate and measured move to the left, making sure not to outpace the nation at large.

His second term should provide the opportunity to make some progress in solidifying the Democratic base in a larger part of the nation. Just locking up a few counties could be enough to prohibit Republicans any significant voice in DC.

It sure is fun to watch folks getting their panties in a knot before Obama is even sworn in. The last eight years have taken a very long time – I get the feeling the next eight may be gone too soon.

Peace.

DS