George E. Condon Jr.

A 7-year-old piano prodigy was the first African American to perform at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Tonight, he returns at 77 to meet the first black president.

With one possible exception, Hollywood’s efforts to influence politics have fallen flat.

Many old colleagues from his Senate tenure are gone, and schmoozing was never his strong suit.

In the spectacle of the State of the Union, Obama begins to slide into the background.

Past eighth-year presidents have left Obama with a blueprint.

No other issue more unnerves the usually cool, stoic president.

The unemployment rate is down, gas prices and inflation are low, and the president notched some major accomplishments. But Obama remains a polarizing figure, and Americans are feeling insecure.

The president offered reassurance and resolve, but also veered unwisely into politics.

The president has now spoken out after a mass shooting 18 times during his terms in office. Is anyone still listening?

In Paris, the president tries to project confidence. But he knows the biggest challenges of our age—terrorism and climate change—won't be solved before his successor takes office.