Tear Off the Smiley-Face Sticker

I could hear a cheer go up outside my window here in downtown Chicago, signalling that Mr. Obama has been sworn in.

It is a day for some people to celebrate. They won, after all, so I do not begrudge them their party.

I ask only one thing of everyone else: Give Mr. Obama no honeymoon.

Give him precisely the courtesy, respect, and benefit-of-the-doubt that was shown to Mr. Bush — Zero.

In the face of the Leader Worship of the news media, it will take a lot to push back. But start immediately.