On eve of 80th birthday, US president says he 'respects' fate, though he insists his stamina and 'passion' remain up to the task

George Birnbaum, who worked on PM-designate's most recent campaign, tells MSNBC the new government could change 'the status quo' with the Palestinians

MSNBC anchor had likened Democratic Senator's landslide Nevada win to German army overrunning France during World War II, raising hackles