Geithner Is Stalking Horse for Rage at Wall Street: Albert Hunt Let’s stipulate: Lloyd Blankfein and Jamie Dimon are enlightened, broad-gauge chief executive officers, among the finest in the world.

Needing Weatherman to Know Way U.S. Wind Blows: Albert Hunt What’s the largest university in the U.S., with twice as many students as the Universities of Texas, Michigan, Florida and Ohio State combined? The University of Phoenix Online, a private, for-profit institution.

Energizing Base Won’t Ensure Republican Victory: Albert R. Hunt A constituent base is the engine that drives a political party’s success, which is why the Republicans did well in last week’s elections, and may do well in next year’s midterm contests. It also can be an albatross, which is why the party’s fundamental problems persist.

Obama’s Delay on Afghan Policy Isn’t Dithering: Albert R. Hunt For former Vice President Dick Cheney, who wants to go all out for victory, or for Democratic Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, who wants to get out as soon as possible, the right decision in Afghanistan is easy.

Some Holdouts to Obama’s Vow to Change Washington: Albert Hunt Heather and Tony Podesta are conscientious objectors to the culture of change in Washington.

A Roadmap to Health-Care Overhaul by Christmas: Albert R. Hunt Over the next couple of months, a sausage factory will seem tidier than the U.S. Congress. The disposition of the huge health-care overhaul will be a messy dance of legislation.

Washington’s 3 Behind-the-Scenes Power Players: Albert R. Hunt Rahm Emanuel, Nancy Pelosi, Richard Holbrooke and John McCain are household names and powerful political insiders.

Obama Can’t Make Russian Mistake in Afghanistan: Albert R. Hunt Zbigniew Brzezinski says a central consideration for President Barack Obama, as he faces an agonizing choice over Afghanistan, is what happened to the Russians in the 1980s and after they were driven out in 1989.

Americans United on Health Care’s Ills, Not Remedy: Albert Hunt Uwe Reinhardt, the eminent Princeton University economist, says dueling political claims notwithstanding, the health-care overhaul that Americans want is clear.

Washington’s Substance Deficit Fuels Civility Gap: Albert Hunt It’s a myth that American politics have suddenly lost civility and comity; a generation ago, there were many more bullies, racists and drunks in Congress.