Despite the "no drama" discipline of his campaign, the two year story line of Obama's campaign was intensely dramatic. As he progressed through each impossible hurdle, the political world contantly underestimated him. As he continue to to overperform expectations there were periodic spurts of elation and awe. Speeches, tactics, turns and twists. Could he raise the money on-line? Could he win Iowa? Could he overcome the Clinton machine and the Republican juggernaut? Could he overcome his worst enemies -- his friends?

In the end he was smarter than everyone else in the room and the public euphoria over his election was understandable.

But "no drama" is finally coming true. I don't care how hard the media tries, it cannot make a Hillary appointment to Secretary of State match any moment in the last two years. The economy needs fixing but nothing Obama does, whether it works or not, will make America's heart pound with expectation, fear and loathing like each successive victory or setback during the election.

That wasn't how it was with George Bush. The 2000 campaign only got interesting after it was over during the aborted Florida recount. Then, even in the pre-9-11 months, Bush's apparent inadequacy as President made each day a delightful morsel to ridicule. Some have forgotten the endless jokes about Bush being "one heartbeat away from the Presidency" in reference to Cheney's obvious dominance of him. I haven't. Bush made many a comedian before the towers came down.

Obama's transition and Presidency is shaping up to be one competent, well planned step after another. Sure he's charismatic, but that doesn't make for excitement. Saving the auto industry or making health care universal will be heartwarming, but frankly, dull.

There is nothing more boring than competence. But in my boredom I will be quite happy to take up knitting or something.