Mr. Obama and Mr. Christie are not that different.

I recall seeing Governor Christie of NJ addressing a group of state workers and their union leaders. Before he could say a word he was met with shouting, name calling and boos.  His first words were, “Why are you mad at me?”  Christie went on to explain that past governors of both parties made great promises in terms of pensions and other benefits they knew they could not keep and then did not fund the promises thereby creating the financial crisis faced by New Jersey.  Unfortunately, his accurate and very logical explanation had little impact.

Consider President Obama and the budget/deficit talks.  He recently said he was willing to endure the pain of making major fixes to Social Security and Medicare if it meant more stable and affordable benefits in the decades ahead. If Mr. Obama proceeds with this rational approach he will feel the wrath of self-serving seniors, the AARP and liberal idealists. 

Americans have a penchant for shooting the messenger even when the message is in their best interest.