Maryscott, first let me thank you for long ago helping many of us read NYT opeds behind the now defunct firewall.

Second, as to what you say about Obama, without going into detail, I believe you could (and people with your kind of politics at the time did) say the same thing at this point in the election about Lincoln in 1860 (who wouldn't even come out for abolition) or FDR in 1932 (who, at this point, was all about balancing the federal budget).

In both cases, very talented democratic political leaders were pressed by events and social movements beyond their control to effect real structural change.  Do I think Obama is capable of that?  Answer: yes.  Do I think it's inevitable?  Anwer: no.  But having said that, I'm working harder for Obama than I've worked for any candidate since 1992.