Like everyone else I have a considerable interest in the national electoral prospects of Barack Obama. It strikes me that the sincerity with which his candidacy is being considered means something powerful in itself. Whether he becomes President (or even wins the nomination) or not, the run he is having right now means that some things are now possible which were not even five years ago. (Thanks, GWB?) Since I talked about his blackness at some length recently I should spend a little time focusing on the reasons this country is so desperate that people like Obama and Edwards, who don’t have conventional Presidential experience are still legitimate candidates in 08. It’ll happen soon.

TP

• politics