Matthew Rothchild, Robbinsdale, Minn.
Since last Tuesday's presidential election, I've heard or seen President Obama's victory variously described as a "big win," "decisive," and a "smashing affirmation of his presidency and policies." He won with 50.4 percent of the national popular vote.
In 2004, President Bush won re-election with 50.7 percent of the national popular vote. At the time, his victory was variously described as "extremely close," "by a razor-thin margin," and "barely clinging to re-election." Furthermore, he was widely (and rightly) criticized for then announcing that he "had a mandate."
Going forward, let's make sure we keep things in their proper perspective.