The ship was addressed to a merchant in Baltimore.

The discussion will be continued on the other side of the commercial break.

So, depending on how he chooses to govern over the next four years, Mr. Obama may yet have a chance to reset the stale debate in Washington, or at least to hasten the transition from one moment to the next. His re-election opens the door further for the post-’60s generation, even if it does not quite clear the room.

The Oak was trying, with small success, not to commit what George Orwell would have called a facecrime.