I've seen and heard Michelle Obama on the stump while on the campaign trail and have a single opinion of her: damn! That is one angry woman!

Trying to imagine her as First Lady, I just can't; her stridency, vociferousness and petulance, in defense of "her man", leaves me cold.

I don't want a "Stepford Wife" as First Lady, but, I also don't want someone who practically snarls with every answer.

Could those states with a huge black majority have diddled with the voting machines in Obama's favor?

Voting irregularities don't just work in one direction.

First, play both sides of the race issue, alternately being down wid da homies and up with the yuppies. That's called playing both ends against the middle for political advantage.

Second, make sure that black politicians, personalities and everyday peeps vote for him based simply/mostly on his color..not his policies or positions. Plus, make sure that you call anyone who is black and doesn't vote for him either an Uncle Tom or a self-hating African-American.

Third, when he puts his foot in his mouth, plagiarizes speeches, changes position(s) or is disagreed with by other Democrats, make sure that you call those who point those things out as being "racist."

Fourth, be very surprised when supporters of other Democrats fail to support Senator Obama with any enthusiasm...if there's any support at all...because of 1, 2 and 3 above.

As a life-long Democrat, I'm turned off by the coterie of Obama sycophants who direct crassness, rudeness and vitriol at other Democratic candidates and their supporters. They can't believe that another candidate just might have more real experience, be a better President or have an easier time defeating the Republicans than Obama.

In any event, Obama will have to win over Republicans, Independents...and, Democrats...to win in November. So far, he's turning off a huge swath of Democrats; let's see him win without us.

The bottom line about Obama? In the opinion of many, he's simply not ready for the job. He's too inexperienced, too naive and too unrealistic about the world, the nation and the situation we face in the years to come.

While I don't like the Republican choice(s), at least I feel like a grown-up would be in charge, should they win.

And, I repeat: the constant nasty and negative drum-beat against Hillary by the Obama supporters is turning many/most of us off. Referring to those of who don't care for Obama as "racists" isn't helping your cause, either. I'm obviously not the only one who feels this way; yesterday, I received a "Democrats For McCain" solicitation spam e-mail. Go figure.

I'd say you have a lot of fence-mending to do, should your candidate win the nomination...but, I don't believe there's enough wood available to accomplish that task.

Let the "Cult Of Obama" rave on...

Your glibness is surpassed only by your jejeuneness.

By the way, the name is spelled "Taliesin", as the Welsh poet of the 500s spelled his name; "Taliesan" is a bastardization.

Finally, you pooped 353 letters into "Salon" and only received a paltry 8 Editor's Choices? >>tsk<<

I compared the major Progressive candidates...Clinton, Obama and Edwards. Based on their records, positions and plans for the future, I chose Hillary Clinton to support. I simply like the entire package that is Hillary Clinton and can see her as an effective, smart and articulate President. That doesn't demean the other candidates; it simply means that I like her best.

I note that Obama is winning more than Hillary right now. That having been said, I probably will not vote for Obama in the general election should he be the Democratic nominee. Here's why:

First, I don't believe that Barack Obama is prepared to be an effective President from day one. I just don't think he has the total life-experience, political savvy and maturity to handle the incredibly complex job of President. You can bet that this will be the Republican main line of contrast. Count on it!

Secondly, though, it seems to me that the Obama supporters are, for the most part, nasty, rude, arrogant and dismissive of the other candidate(s), stooping to diss Hillary with more venom than many/most Republicans do. "Clinton cabal", "nasty Clintons" and other invective from the Obamists is common in their posts.

May I remind you that the Obamists will need the approximately 48% of voters ( so far) who did NOT choose Obama in the primaries and/or caucuses to win the general election against the Republicans? If they think that Obama can win against an energized Republican party plus Democrats who will either not vote for Obama or will simply sit this one out, they're self-delusional.

Unfortunately, when I consider Obama's lack of overall qualifications plus the vehemence of his supporters, I hope that Obama loses this year. If so, we can field a much better and more able group of Progressive candidates in 2012.

Hoping that a Republican will win? That's how much the Obamists have turned me...and, many of my Progressive colleagues...off.

As the article posited: "Barack Obama is perceived by Muslims abroad like no other candidate. He would begin a presidency with tremendous potential to heal U.S. relations with much of the world."

I can only imagine the howl that will go up from the Republicans if/when a President Obama tries to be diplomatic with those who are "our enemies." They've even roasted 'n' toasted their own candidate John McCain for working with Democrats on legislation that benefits ALL Americans and not just other Republicans. How sad is that?

That howl probably will get louder from the Republicans as the election nears. I'm sure we'll all hear about Barack HUSSEIN Obama and his so-called "Muslim sensibilities". John Kerry got "SwiftBoated"; I suppose Barack Obama will now get "SwiftBurqa'd" by the Republican slime-machine.

I wonder when Republicans will become so nauseated by their own party that they will vote their consciences? Perhaps this is the year.