If the presumptive nominee (and probable victor) for the most powerful elected office on the face of the planet is so impotent that he can't stand up for his principles, galvanize support within his own party and stop the evisceration of the Fourth Amendment, I don't have much hope for all this alleged "change" he keeps touting. If his diabolical game plan is to just go ahead and give the Repubs everything they want anyway (because there's no use in fighting) why should I get on board?

1. And what would you propose he do? Somehow browbeat 15 Senators to vote against (what they perceive to be) their best interests, politically and electorally? Call it the downside to the 50 state strategy: sometimes representatives from Red States are going to vote "Red". What could Obama do to change that? Give a speech? You might of noticed he's a bit busy right now.

2. Evisceration of the Fourth Amendment? I'm sorry, but you can't "eviscerate" the Constitution. It's the legislative trump card, given a proper "interpretation" by a SCOTUS not appointed by a McCain administration. That's why we have a SCOTUS, to "check and balance" the other branches.

3. Anything but the current bill was going to be vetoed. When Democrats have the power of the veto, don't you think the legislation might reflect that?

4. Giving the GOP "everything they want" is not even close to what this is. Is everyone really being fooled into believing this is what Bush wanted all along? They're whistling past the graveyard right now because they know it angers us progressives (just like claiming the new GI Bill was Bush's idea all along) but just think how different it will be when Dems hold the Congress AND the POTUS! I imagine the Repubs won't be getting ANYTHING they want AND will probably lose a few things (tax cuts for the wealthy, the Iraq war, rampant deregulation, a chance at more wacko judgeship appointment, etc.) as well!

5. Obama won't need us anymore? He will if he's going to retain a Democratic majority in Congress OR have a second term. He's also going to need our ideas, ingenuity, and mercy (for our fellow Americans, the Republicans) to fix the god awful mess that Bush will be handing off.

6. How's that old prayer go?: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Nuff Said!!

What a bunch of whiny, crybabies. Used to be good honest analysis here. Now, just rending of garments and gnashing of teeth.

You sound like conservatives bitching that abortion is still legaal.

Tell you what, when I've got a full-time job again, when the dollar is worth more than the Euro again, when children aren't starving or going 5 years without seeing a doctor, when the country's bridges and roads are not literally falling down from lack of infrastructure investment, when my government stops torturing and starting wars, only then will I care about this crap.

Seriously, people. This can practically be taken care of with an executive order on January 21st. Unless, of course, McCain is president.

Glenn, I love ya dude. You're practically the only reason why I re-upped to Salon this year. My premium item was your book, for chrissakes! I take everything you post about quite seriously, but c'mon:

Absolutely. As long as the trains run on time, everything else is just gravy. Who cares if the Government spies on us, surveills (sic) us with no warrants and breaks the law? All that matters are material comforts -- just like the Founders said.

I just spent the last 8 years (as did you I suspect) railing against the black & white, with-us-or-against-us attitude for you to pull that crap on me now. I'm sorry if you think being employed or providing for your child is a "material comfort" but I'm a father now. Things like the continuing existence of the environment and making sure my son can eat, sleep and go to college are VERY IMPORTANT to me. So sue me.

Governments spy. Some (usually the crappier ones) do more than others. Some, like the present one, are so incompetent that they can't even be bothered to hide it from people. So I guess in that regard we're lucky.

Look, I know its you're job. And the issue is a total hits/revenue generator. I'm just trying to get people to see the forest for the trees, here.

Thank god for Jesse Jackson, I guess. In my impromptu poll taken at work today, that's all people were talking about when you bring up Obama. I guess ignorance IS bliss in this case.

Another good point. No reason to pipe up about any of this. Obama will wave his magic wand and - presto -- all will be good again.

I'm not saying that, and you know it. I just really think we need to coalesce around this candidate. There's about 15 different things the McCain campaign or McCain himself said in the past few days that you could devote a few columns to, but you just keep on hammerin', despite the obvious passing of the equine. It does make me think that we progressives would rather be out of power because we've gotten so used to it...

Here's a black & white for you: Come January 20th, 2009 either Barack Obama or John McCain will be POTUS. I know which one I want. I'll be donating to him again in the next few weeks. He could use the help. Seems BOTH his friends AND his enemies are attacking him this week. And oh, the concern and handwringing and disappointment!! Welcome to politics, kids!