Fear and Courage in the Democratic Party

Obama put his persuasive power on hold while he got sucked into an insider negotiation with Congressional centrists -- and has been unable to make a morally compelling case for his agenda.

To be sure, the failing economy provided Democrats the context they needed. But a candidate with a little backbone gave them the ability to convince voters to take a chance on change.

Obama's got to ask himself as he considers Daschle for Chief of Staff -- does he want change and success or hypocrisy, capitulation and defeat?

Republicans know something Democrats don't: voters don't vote on the issues, so you might as well do what you believe and portray yourself as a strong leader - and try and actually translate your values into law.

Obama has proven in the past that he has the ability to get his head out of the clouds and down onto the ground where elections are actually decided - but we need him there fast, before Team Bush/McCain's savvy and his own diffidence cause another surrender - and another Democratic defeat.