I agree with Mary's general take and use of the Hayden quote - that may very well be what's going on. Perhaps. Or, it might just be a brief moment - we've down that path before, and the hardship of running this thing we call America drags down the biggest dreams. In any case, I want him to win and very badly.

On FISA, I have no illusions about privacy - none, zilch, zippo. I wrote in @NY back in the 90s that the privacy wars were over. But it seems to me that retroactive immunity to massive multinational corporations to protect them from the people - ie, us and that includes Mr. G - whose privacy they invaded contrary to U.S. laws in some fear-laden witch hunt is a bridge too damned far. So while I was not as disappointed as many early supporters on Obama's non-stance, and have long since given up hope for leadership from the likes of Pelosi, Hoyer, and Reid, it was a a potential moment for leadership - and it passed. More than anything, it was a sign that Obama expects to win and wants as much of the security apparatus in place as possible when he ascends to the top step.

Now, as to the regular Dem thing - well, he just is. Not ordinary. Far, far from that. Great speaker. Very good writer. Awesome synthesizer of vision and brand and marketing. Sublime organizer. Killer pol. But regular? Yes, in terms of organizational Democratic politics. He's not an outsider in the traditional sense. He's changing from within, and his change has slowed a bit and moved to the center now that he's the nominee. Because I want to win, I respect that, though I may occasionally tweak him from a seat on the loyal back bench.

I loved Jim's Ramones line - wish I'd thought of it! (And also was very happy to see killer candidate Obama deep-six it before it became a bigger punch line - smart).