Amen to all that

Okay I wrote about David Palmer, who ("who") had an effect in places where Strickland marched campaigners in Ohio and where Kerry won 10% and Obama polled 20. That may indeed have supplied Indiana and Nevada.

But there are real world precedents too.

Nelson Mandela made Obama in particular possible. Even keel. Steady hand. No reprisals after taking office. People can read what they want in Obama, but he knew the playbook: speak softly and clearly. Keep your hand on the rock.

Jesse Jackson made Obama more likely. Despite the: "I'd like to ERRRRRR! his balls off" remark. Jackson won Michigan and frightened the establishment — what's happening! REALLY? Jesse Jackson? — and sent a signal to America. It is possible.

Hilary Clinton made Obama much more likely. Thank about those attacks on Rev. Wright, foreignness, Bill Ayers, etc. All of it was filtered through an intra-Democratic organization, and so, muted, dimmed, dulled. Hilary so completely shaped the anti-Obama message that it could not easily morph into something more damaging (i.e. Republican). When Palin and belatedly McLame tried to gin up enthusiasm for such in the last months, the shit ricocheted back into their faces as "negativity," costing them Independents' votes. It is true: she did "vet" Obama. The proof is in last nite's results.

Chris Matthews. Someone give that man a job.

As a curmudgeonly aside, I am frankly incredulous that anyone would celebrate the chair-fillers who voted for Bush twice and now are persuaded that "this time it is different." I can deal with genuine Republicans just fine. But you . . . Really. Come on. You were an idiot for years, when it counted; you have now admitted it. Does that mean you are smarter now, and if so, why? Or that bedrock GOP "principles" are better nurtured by Obama than McCain? The goodness of Obama broke through the wall? Really? Go away.