Yeah, I'm actually optimistic about Obama winning too - not certain, but think the odds are in his favor. But I'm pessimistic about what happens next. He, like Hillary, is a cautious centrist - who won't make the changes we need. And unlike Roosevelt, there is not serious grassroots movement that will push him: Moveone and the rest of the "netroots"? Not strong enough, and not independent enough of the Democratic party to push the changes needed.

And I think the debates will be the clincher.

Yeah, that's what I'm pining my hopes on.

If only Obama can provoke something like this (in an interview with Time ):

There's a theme that recurs in your books and your speeches, both about putting country first but also about honor. I wonder if you could define honor for us?

Read it in my books.

I've read your books.

No, I'm not going to define it.

But honor in politics?

I defined it in five books. Read my books.

(I've heard McCain tends to get angry easily...)

If Obama is elected and the Cubs win the World Series, I swear my head will explode, as I won't be able to handle that much happiness....

My head will be all explode-y as well. If that happened, and if Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics when they announce next year, it'll truly be a Chicago Year.

(I'm not going to jinx the Cubs, but I just wanted to mention that their sweeping the Pirates meant that they have won nine series in a row for the first time since 1907. Also, they're 33 games over .500 for the first time since 1945, the last time they won the NL pennant. Go Cubs!)

It's odd. I have no doubt at all that Obama will be the next PotUS.

I will literally weep.

Me, too.

Given that I felt like crying when Kerry lost -- and I don't even like him that much -- I will certainly get emotional if Obama wins.

4 years ago, I remember a friend commenting that one of her conservative friends got nervous when she saw the liberals acting like somebody died when Kerry lost -- "It's making me feel like if this many people think it's a disaster, maybe I missed something?" I really wish I remembered whose friend said it so I could look her up and shake her by the lapels and say, "Do you GET IT now?"

"It's making me feel like if this many people think it's a disaster, maybe I missed something?"

Heh. Maybe....

It's quiet here today. Too quiet.

We've got potential for a major hurricane in the Gulf, so I was expecting the various contractors and insurance companies to be gearing up for big action. Perhaps they're too busy thinking about Labor Day.

Or maybe they're all prepared and ready for anything?

No, I don't believe it either.

It's been pointed out that not only is the Republican convention going to start on the anniversary of Katrina, it seems that Mother Nature is conspiring to make a big honking Reminder just before they get started.

I'm sure sorry for anyone in the path of the hurricane, and have my fingers crossed for their safety, but I'm still wryly amused by the timing.

Is Giuliani gonna speak at the Republican convention? 'Cuz then it will be like, "Noun verb 9/11! Noun verb POW!"

Is Obama speaking tonight?