I'm certainly disappointed in Obama here, both in the morality and plain poor judgement of his decision. At the same time, seeing the extreme-I'm gonna vote for McCain even though he's against everything I believe in because Obama isn't perfect--responses of so many progressives, I can't help wondering if it might be a good thing for him to do something so bad at this point. Way too many people have been seeing Obama as some kind of liberal messiah, a prince charming who'll give progressives everything they dream of while floating above the ugly world of politics. But messiahs and fairy tale princes don't get elected president--never have and never will--not because our system is so corrupt (though it is) but because democracy is inherently about making compromises, and often very cynical ones, and nobody who isn't at least a semi-sociopathic egotist would seriously want to be president of the United States. Whoever's going to get elected in November--and I certainly hope it's Obama--is going to be a politician, just like all the presidents before him, just like all the "outsiders" and "mavericks" in the house and senate. That's democracy. That's reality. Grow up and deal with it.

How has Obama changed? Not much at all.

The far lefties wanted to GET the telecoms and spend years on litigation. Now the righties are doing exactly what they are doing with the Hillary & women votes. They are trying to make an appearance of division and people baling out out of Obama support.

There are very few people bailing on Obama.

People who are voting for him are voting for him. Just like people who will vote for the other guy. Just the shitheads who voted for the current monkey. Twice. It doesn't matter. None of this matters. Your system of governance is corrupt and broken and in the sway of more money than you could ever imagine.

"As you may recall, back in Jan 08 or so, Obama appeared on S&L and removed his mask on national TV. This is the same Obama that has no problem stealing a nomination (with the help of DNC) that belongs to Senator Clinton. I will not vote for him no as he does not need my "racist" vote. remember he said Hillary supporters were not voting for her but were voting against him because they are racist!!! He should be ashamed of himself. I am glad the rest of the world is seeing Obama in the same light as many of us have seen him for a while now.""

she lost because she loves fox and the gop. She lost because of people like you women. get over it. Get over yourselves. There is zero differance between mccain and clinton, other than healthcare. And she failed on that issue when she had a chance.

Get over it. She is done in american politics. She and her husband made over 100 mill. Let them pay out of their own pockets. It is not owed to her, like the presidency wasn't. You closet republcains are a joke. I thought you wouold be happy. Obama tilting towards clinton. But yrou not. Why? you show you gop fascist faces.

SAd old women. I bet you will complain if obama picks a women as vp, right? You show yrou faces. Your not feminsists. just gop in party sabotuers. You will share their fate. Irrelevance

This has ceased to be a website where anyone can find anything of any value.

It is all gnashing of teeth, rending of garments, raging, raging! against the dying of the light. A massive wank-fest, a pity orgy.

Its too bad. How the mighty have fallen.

Telling true Progressives they have no one else is a big mistake, dangerous, and wrong. Just like the approach being taken, that resulted in one win, and at least 6 losses in the past. There are other viable options:

1. Not voting for President, and vote downticket. The rationale for that would be to get a Dem supermajority, which may keep the President in check, especially McCain, and would not confirm more Scalia's and Roberts' to the SCOTUS. Risk: A Dem supermajority may not behave better than the majority the have now. Right now Obama is certainly NOT reliable about anything, except to promote further wishful thinking. Presumptous rather than presumtive is arrogant.

2. Voting Nader, who now is the strongest voice for true Progressives. Not so much for him, but to support a third party. It has become increasingly clear a third party is needed to break the logjam. Nothing else will get as much attention away from corporate lobbiests. John Edwards or Hillary Clinton running as an Independant would give it immediate cred, altough the chances of that seem slim at present.

3. Revolution-- that will not be televised.... The Founders would be doing it right now, after the FISA vote.

Since it appears Howard Dean want to continue the railroading of Obama, forgoing a first ballot at the convention, and going right to direct nomination, it's very clear the Dems still don't behave like they need anyone outside of the DNC to win the General.

BTW Joan, your Obama's quote was actually inspired by John Edward's positions on that, long before Obama actually had a position on it.

Joan,

I always respect, take seriously and most always agree with what you have to say. I understand your concern but if (as I am sure you have) one closely listens and reads what Barack has had to say from early on, I think you find he is mostly a pragmatist but entertains ideals which he frames in an attainable fashion. Democratic and Progressive presidential candidates who have run on ideals have unfortunately, consistently lost. Bill Clinton certainly struck on a few central themes that weren't very ideal for liberals and progressives like welfare to work. In practice the safety net fell miserably short but that's another topic. I think Barack and his campaign have learned how to 'win' the presidential election mostly from our agonizing losses going back to McGovern, Dukakis, and up to Kerry. I think it's kinda too bad it's this way, but it is.

Publicly stating that he would be open to criminal investigations of past Bush conduct and seek even yet, penalties for law-breaking telecoms is an example of how I think Barack will move more progressively should he get elected which is, despite some unpleasant compromises and serious moving to the middle, the immediate goal. That is worth repeating: Barack Obama has to win first and I think everything he does has that in mind. Thank you very much.