Barack

Let me begin by saying that I disagree on many fundamental things that Barack Obama believes (or at least that he SAYS he believes). The grand idea that government can solve problems effectively and efficiently, and in the end can truly eradicate the woes of citizens specifically and the country as a whole (rather than robbing Peter to pay Paul and/or simply exacerbating the issue), is a ludicrous proposition to me.

BUT...

He's probably exactly what this country needs right now. If you watched his speech on Thursday night you saw a man of eloquence, nuance and conviction. He is full of energy and determination. He is persuasive and possesses a principled optimism that is contagious. He is a breath of fresh air. In short, he is the next in line after Kennedy & Reagan.

The setting with 84,000 people in the big stadium in Denver was a sight to behold, and he relished it. As you would expect, he had the place wrapped around his finger. But I am sure many watching on TV were transfixed to the guy, too - it was a speech expertly delivered and an event professionally produced.

It will be a shock to me if he loses this election. He picked a solid VP, he'll own McCain in the debates, and he's got a pretty easy task running against a party that has had a mostly dismal past eight years and is reeling. True, McCain's surprise pick of Palin as his running mate was deft and undoubtedly won him votes, but I don't see that getting him over the top. This election is Obama's to lose.

It was an historic night, with possibly more history to come in November.