President Obama gets out on the town — eating chili dogs, going to school teacher conferences, drinking beer at pro basketball games.

This average, ordinary behavior is, of course, cause for much deep analysis in a top-of-the-webpage feature in today’s New York Times complete with this brew-swilling illustration.

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Political observers are still debating whether this out-and-about style simply reflects the personal inclinations of the Obamas or some political calculus (or both). But one thing is clear: No other modern president has reached out so widely to so many corners of the city, says Doris Kearns Goodwin, a presidential historian.

Good idea, I’d say. When even columnists like Gene Lyons are suggesting he’s misplayed popular rage at Wall Streeters, a little common touch couldn’t hurt.

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