I initially posted this as a comment in Kos' story, but then realized it was lengthy enough to be a diary.
Obama's interview on Fox News Sunday was carried by both FOX News Channel and the Fox Network (you know, the one that has the Simpsons and American Idol). FOX News is the #1 cable news channel. It is watched not just by hard-core Republicans, but by millions of independents, moderates, and conservative Democrats. Plus all of the people who are forced to watch because they don't control the remote, or it's on at a public place. If it was watched exclusively by wingnuts, FOX would have shitty ratings, we wouldn't need to worry about it, and we could ignore it. As it is now, FOX is free media and its desperately looking for Democratic guests. And, so long as a Democrat knows what he's getting into with a FOX interview, it's nothing more than a convenient platform to reach millions of voters.
One thing I think a lot of Democrats do is confuse average Republican and Republican-leaning voters with some of the most extreme elements of the party. I have many Republican friends who I can have an intelligent conversation about politics with. 90% of Republicans are decent, hardworking people. Just because someone voted for Bush doesn't mean that they are the moral equivalent of Dick Cheney or Bill O'Reilly or John Ashcroft. Most Republicans are intelligent people who can be won over via intelligent debate.
Obama believes that you don't win over the other side by demonizing them and telling them that their beliefs are wrong. You win them over by talking to them, finding common ground, and educating them in a polite and respectful manner. And, sometimes, not only can you win their vote--you can change their mind on some of the issues.
Some people--kos included--seem to confuse Obama's approach with the past approaches of Democratic presidential candidates who caved into right-wing threats and attempted to win over moderates and conservatives by becoming wishy-washy, unprincipled, pro-business, DLC types. That's not what Obama's doing. He's attempting to win over the hearts and minds of moderate/conservative voters. Voters are different than Republican politicians (who Obama does not play nice with).
Obama's an across-the-board solid progressive (just look at his voting record, and the work he chose to do before entering politics). His approach is guided by an understanding that, in order to get progressive legislation enacted, you need a governing coalition larger than 50%-plus-1. The last time a Democratic President was elected with more than 50% of the vote was in 1964.
And one more thing, Kos. It's hypocritical to support the hope candidate while still being 100% cynical.