Jack Tame: Genius or pipe dream?

President Barack Obama. Photo / AP

Let's play President.

I'll be the public. You can be Bammy. And let's negotiate a potentially defining issue as you work to better the world's biggest economy and the lives of the people it represents.

First of all, look after Numero Uno. You're a historic president and you've made some big changes.

But your healthcare reform has been wobbly and meaningful legacies are built on more than one big achievement.

How do you wanna be remembered? As the black guy, or as the black guy who actually made stuff happen?

Two: acknowledge the people. You've dramatically rebuilt from the 2008 collapse. But people are fickle, forgetful. And while unemployment's below 7 per cent and Wall St's booming, it's hard to make stable sound sexy.

Three: acknowledge the political situation. Congress refuses to pass your laws. Immigration reform is dwindling, you've given up on guns and time is running out, big guy.

Now imagine there's a heap of oil in Canada that could be processed in US refineries. All it would take is a pipeline.

Canada wants you to build it, and lots of Americans want you to build it, too. Pipelines take construction and construction makes jobs.

Of course, digging up and burning oil isn't too swell for old Mother Earth.

So, hot shot, what you gonna do? Greatness is a stamp away.