The saddest result of the long "Reverend Wright Crisis" might be what we've lost - something we dared to believe in and hope against hope for.

Many of us thought Barack Obama might actually be the one to finally break through the bullshit that masquerades as fair and balanced political discourse in this country. His message of empowerment, hope and change was like water in the desert for so many of us who were longing for better from our political process and our candidates. I believe Barack Obama believed to his core that this country was ready for something better and that he could bring us all together in the common purpose of a more elevated form of campaigning.  Surely that was something all Americans could agree on. He had far more faith in the media than those of us who have been disappointed so many times before.  And he had faith, that should the media disappoint, the Americans would be able to see through the distractions and divisiveness.

Add me to the long list of diarists who think they know what Obama's next steps should be in his fight against the media, the Clintons, McCain and the right-wing smear machine.  

I know this will elicit groans here... but in my opinion, he needs to give another speech.  A speech entirely different from anything we've heard from him to-date.

Hillary's campaign is trying to tamp down your enthusiasm.  She's got Rendell out accusing you of "drinking the Kool Aid."  She's talking about how speeches and words don't matter.  Make no mistake.  She and her campaign don't believe you'll really turn out tomorrow - at least not enough to make the difference.

I've been unable to watch the news for the last few days.  I can't bear to see the MSM try to tear down such a hopeful, inspiring candidate over remarks that were clearly not meant as they're being portrayed. What's really sad is either these so-called "journalists" aren't nearly as smart as their diplomas and "credentials" would have people believe or they're in the tank for Hillary Clinton's Rovian campaign.  I don't think there's a single person here who believes these journalists don't know exactly what Obama was trying to say, and that he's in fact RIGHT about all of it.  And yet they choose to play dumb to boost ratings and keep their dog in the hunt.

IN 2004, C-span televised the Harkin BBQ which was held just before the Iowa caucus.  At the time Howard Dean was still the frontrunner, and when he came to the podium to speak to the crowd, it was almost impossible to hear him over all the cheering. He gave an edited version of his stump speech, but even the shortened version was more exciting and inspiring than anything the other candidates dished up that day.

Later, Bill Clinton came to the podium to speak.

Tim Russert has repeatedly played the clip from last Tuesday's debate where he asked the question about Putin's successor, Medvedev.  Everytime he plays it, he gets that twinkle in his eye as he relishes what he perceives as his "gotcha" moment.

The Clintons and just about everyone in the MSM were saying as recently as Thursday that Texas and Ohio were Hillary's "firewall."  But a new theme seems to be emerging. Even with the last eleven contest victories under Obama's belt and all of the Super Delegate movement in his direction and away from hers, many of the talking heads are claiming that "Hillary is not out of it yet," and "never underestimate a Clinton."  And as recently as yesterday, Chris Matthews asked what would happen if Hillary didn't win "the popular vote in either Texas or Ohio."

damned if he doesn't...  Hillary and her surrogates continue to insist that she is the only one who can take on the right wing smear machine. Obama tried to squash that meme by making a logical, measured comment in his press conference earlier. Rather than all of us being glad that he's willing to show a fighting spirit (which any Dem nominee will need in the general), he's being taken to the woodshed in several diaries.

I'm a 44-year old life-long Democratic voter.  Oh yeah... I'm also a wife, a mother and obviously a woman.  I'm part of the demographic the media keeps insisting is solidly in the Hillary camp.  And yet... if some of the diaries on kos are to be believed, I'm also part of the "He-man Woman Haters Club."  Why?  Because I'm voting for Barack Obama.