Several points in the speech made by the president point out the problem of small-mindedness. He made several references to “ending the mindset that got us into [the Iraq] war.” This mindset is a dichotomous mindset that rejects problem-solving in favor of small-mindedness.

He said “Wars are anything but simple.” And yet wars are typically promoted be simple-mindedness.

He said “Worry less about being labeled weak (an example of DT) and worry more about getting it right (problem solving)”

He referred to “Knee-jerk partisanship” which is a clear example of dichotomous thinking.

He spoke of “The gradual evolution of human institutions” and “Promoting human progress” DT is the greatest barrier to human progress and human evolution.

He advised “Shutting out the noise.” DT is the source of that noise.

Most importantly He pointed out that “Those who chant “Death to America” have a common cause with the Republican caucus.” This is a fundamental human problem. If only he could go one step further and point out that DT is that common cause. DT is the glue that unifies the small-minded.

If we lived in a world where the word “dichotomous” was in regular use and the process by which DT stifles problem-solving was generally recognized, most of the points the president made would be considered obvious. Many of the various specific problems he pointed out would be seen as manifestations of a single more fundamental problem.