From The Miami Herald — Originally published Sunday, April 26

… [President Obama’s] first 100 days in office have been remarkably productive … A successful start augurs well for the rest of his tenure, but critics have reason to remain skeptical. Huge deficits, a seemingly limitless agenda and Washington’s enduring partisan divide are just some of the challenges that could trip up this presidency.

… So far, Americans like what Mr. Obama is doing. Polls show that for the first time in five years, more Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction than vice versa. That, in itself, is an achievement. But here’s the perspective: Mr. Obama’s 62 percent approval rating is exactly where George W. Bush stood at this point in his own presidency.

… President Obama’s accomplishments in the first 100 days reflect his discipline, energy and political skills, though the economic crisis undoubtedly helped to persuade lawmakers to move swiftly in support of his sweeping plans.

… Ultimately … the race is not to the swift. Mr. Obama has had a good start, but time and chance will undoubtedly challenge his ambitious agenda. His biggest achievement may well be to have changed the formerly prevailing attitude, as expressed by Ronald Reagan, that government is the problem, not the solution. At the moment, Mr. Obama is both the promoter and beneficiary of the idea that government is indispensable and here to stay. This will last only as long as government can deliver on its promises.