Let’s read Ron Suskind’s book "Confidence Men" before we throw in the towel on Obama even though we're disappointed in him in so many ways. Suskind has an interesting opinion of the president -- what I’ve heard in Suskind's interviews and book talks (I haven’t read the book).
Obama wasn’t my guy; John Edwards was. I saw Obama as terribly, terribly, almost unbelieveably naïve, and unprepared. I also didn’t like how he stuck so closely to the teleprompter, but I can let that go because he writes his own speeches.
He was an outsider who, because of insecurities that that status often brings, hired insiders to navigate the waters, and he choose unwisely. I believe he sees that now and he's remedying that. For the first time I believe he’s being authentic, and I’m not going to bail on him now. Besides, if a konservative gets to appoint one more supreme court justice, we are screwed.
Maybe that sounds to you like a negative vote for Obama, but I’m more hopeful than that, actually, because what I see is Obama finally waking up to the fact that most of the rest of the political world, and certainly few IF ANY konservatives, share his sunny faith and optimism, his intelligence, and especially his sense of fair play and cooperation. I believe he realizes that now and is willing to take on a fight or several. If he gets reelected, the potential to do great things that his country desperately needs and needs now is worth not sitting this one out. At least consider what Suskind concludes: He's seen the light and the gloves are off.
And don't forget the other progressives on your ballot that we need to elect. Keep the faith.
ETA: I've ordered the book this morning.