1. Premise is defined by dictionary.cambridge.org as: "an idea or theory on which a statement or action is based" - On what premise does Thomas Sowell base his commentary?

2. What point does Mr. Sowell make about other first-term Presidents as compared to President Obama?

3. How do hostile foreign governments view President Obama, according to Mr. Sowell?

4. In paragraph 9, Mr. Sowell says "Future generations who live in the shadow of that nuclear threat may wonder what we were thinking about, putting our lives - and theirs - in the hands of a rookie because we liked his style and symbolism." Do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

5. Do you agree with Mr. Sowell's assertions? Explain your answer.