Don't buy into the hype about terrible trouble for the Democrats. Some trouble, maybe. The mainstream media (MSM) is working overtime to rip into Obama like a pack of famished guppies. They want to see him dunked in the political pool and come out gasping and choking -- a little. Why? Because this creates a dramatic narrative, which journalists crave like a crack high. A boring, incrementally mediocre administration won't satisfy them. After the drama of his rise to power, Obama has to keep the drama and surprises coming. Scott Brown and the Fabulous 41 Block of the GOP serves both the MSM and the Obama camp. Here's why:

By struggling at the end of his first year, in advance of the November 20101 midterm elections, Obama and the press set up a beloved, timeless story arc: The Comeback Kid. All the key elements are now in place: the stock market is tanking again, the banks are pulling in big bonuses, healthcare reform is on life support, terrorists are lining up to start killing and then claim their Miranda prize, and the weather is cold. Then throw in some political upheaval via Scott Brown and -- the perfect mix!

Jimmy Carter II! Hope betrayed! The presidency loses its appeal! The evil GOP/Tea Party gang combines with the end of McCain-Feingold to overwhelm progressive forces! Mother of Mercy, could this be the end of Rico . . . I mean, Barack?

But wait (so goes the evolving press narrative), could that be a pale glimmer of hope through the darkness, fighting through the murk at the bottom of the teacup? They will find evidence that the stock market is bouncing back, and the oceans will begin to recede and the planet to heal (a/k/a, springtime arrives). Unemployment will drop. In his role as Commander-in-Chief, Obama will personally arrest and interrogate a terrorist who gatecrashes the White House Easter Egg Hunt. The Chicago Cubs will dominate the National League over the summer. In September, the First Couple will announce that Michelle Obama is "with child," and the press will go wild over that -- it's the October surprise, timed perfectly for the election.

The result -- two years after the 2008 election, we've got a wiser, more experienced, disciplined President and how dare you vote for Republicans against the party of (drum roll please) the Comeback Kid? The narrative arc will reach its thunderous climax.

At least until Election Day results are in. Then a new arc begins.