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I'm not sure whether that's regarded as better or worse than "the one note samba" but it's fascinating to anyone even mildly interested in the English language (particularly words with a Latinate root). Does it mean that quite a number of Americans relegate almost every human activity to the psychologist's/psychotherapist's/ psychiatrist's couch? Does it mean that a people who once had a reputation for plain speaking now find it easier to resort to linguistic subterfuge (I know, I know, more of it). My excuse is that I'm not a proud "shooting from the hip" American. Oh yes, does the "would" of Mark Benjamin's question translate better as "Could", since that appears to be the nub of the argument.
Anyway, a bit of plain English MIGHT be in order. Today is Mr. Obama's 47th birthday and Mark Benjamin, so sanguine (here we go again!) in his attitude to the US Presidency, first term cum second term, has ignored the human factor. "Happy birthday, Barack" is short and sweet like a donkey's gallop. As well, from a woman's point of view, attention to detail is important. Just ask Maureen Dowd!
