Hard to explain a plan that involves so many this election

Commentators keep complaining that neither President Obama nor Mitt Romney is offering definitive plans for the next four years, despite their claims they have them.

Both have provided broad outlines, but the specifics of how goals will be achieved have been lacking.

The usual explanation is that they are afraid specifics could harm them in the election. That is certainly true in part. But I think there is another reason, and that is, the outcome of the overall election, not just the individual candidacies, will impact what they can do.

Will the vote be so close that no one has a mandate? Which political parties will control the House and the Senate? Will extreme politicians be elected or more moderate ones?

The reality is presidents really can't do much on their own. Despite what some zealots may believe, they are not dictators.

The outcome of the total election will determine what the president can and cannot do, and we don't know yet.