When you're running for President--particularly when you're 30 points behind in some national polls--you have to decide just why you're running.
If you want to be vice president...if you're looking just to raise your national profile...then the safest route is to stay the course, play it safe and try not to seriously tick off your opponents or their base.
But if you are serious about winning, then you need to sit down and ponder just how badly you want it. Are you willing to risk your political future on one large matter of conscience? Are you willing to stand in front of your fellow Senators and say to them, "I know this is not a popular position, but I do this not because of politics, but despite them."
Senator Obama, if you really want a shot at stopping Hillary, if you truly desire the chance to be President, then your only credible option is to stand on the floor of the Senate and proclaim that you will not vote for any additional funds for the war in Iraq without having at least some guideline for troop withdrawal.
It's odd for me to suggest this, because I have not been in favor of calls to instantly withdraw troops from Iraq. And making that arguement will open you up to a world of grief from both Republicans and many of your fellow Democrats.
But making that arguement does several things. It draws a line in the sand for what you believe in as a candidate. It allows you to reply to the "you're just doing this for political reasons" arguement with the answer that someone making a stand for purely political reasons wouldn't pick this point to do so.
It also gives you something to smack Hillary with--both subtly and not so subtly. Explaining your decision by mentioning that "some of my opponents will not doubt try and triangulate the perfect political response" points right to her weakness. And she can't agree with your position without losing that illusion of moderation she has managed to cover herself with in recent months.
Yes, she and some of your other opponents are going to come at you with the "Oh, this is a naive suggestion," or "Someone with more experience wouldn't suggest that." But if you can't come up with a couple of seriously cutting retorts, then maybe you shouldn't be President.
There are times when a presidential candidate in trouble has to bet it all on one spin. Bill Clinton surely did, as did Ronald Reagan and many others. It's a sign of leadership and confidence, and frankly, that's what I need to see most from you right now.