QUOTE OF THE DAY. Michael Gerson of Real Clear Politics (and the Council on Foreign Relations, for you conspiracy buffs) tackles The Myth of America's Unpopularity.

It is easy to be loved when you are a victim. It is harder to be popular when you act decisively to protect yourself and others.

A successful president should strive for America to be liked -- and expect, on occasion, for America to be resented in a good cause.