The Mann Act, perhaps more than most laws, was clearly a product of its time.

NPR: The Long, Colorful History of the Mann Act

It was into this charged environment that the Mann Act was born.

NPR: The Long, Colorful History of the Mann Act

"Obama's hope for a second term is that the pressure will build because of the need to act on the budget and unwillingness to live with the status quo, " Mann said.

CNN: Obama, GOP and economic blame game