I want to see more posts start, "I support Barack Obama for president, but..."

It's better than leading with the "but," isn't it?

You may have noticed Democrats seriously attacking Obama, since the General Election got underway. At first I thought it was an oversensitive minority, the PUMA's of progressive politics. But enough riled liberals are crying out to fill a lot of inches--and minutes--in our mainstream media.

Examples: Netroots break with Obama over FISA compromise. Pro-choice groups decry Obama for third-trimester limitations. Separation of Church and State advocates recoil at proposed continuance of Faith-Based initiatives. Who knew Justice Scalia and Obama would agree on so much? And did you see--he's even wearing a flag pin now! (The sell-out)

Also? Just as many Democrats worry that these attacks weaken America's chances for a Democrat into the White House to change at least some of Bush's overstayed course. They call on the malcontents to shut up, at least until November, lest they undermining what progress we've made. Support Obama or else! Not very diversity friendly, perhaps, but pragmatic.

It hasn't been pretty. Or inspiring. Or particularly useful.

So how's this? Do both!

QUESTION #1: Do liberals have the right to voice their outrage, even their sense of betrayal?

Absolutely! Obama himself said as much regarding supporters on his website who reject his FISA compromise. He says: "when citizens join their voices together, they can hold their leaders accountable. I'm not exempt from that. I'm certainly not perfect, and expect to be held accountable too. I cannot promise to agree with you on every issue."

He says: "I understand why some of you feel differently about the current bill, and I'm happy to take my lumps on this side and elsewhere" and that "Democracy cannot exist without strong differences. And going forward, some of you may decide that my FISA position is a deal breaker."

Most importantly, he says: "that is the kind of White House that I intend to run as President of the United States -- a White House that takes the Constitution seriously, conducts the peoples' business out in the open, welcomes and listens to dissenting views, and asks you to play your part in shaping our country’s destiny." 

QUESTION #2: Is an Obama who compromises on FISA, limits third-term abortions, reaches out to the Christian right, favors some gun ownership and doesn't reject the death penalty for non-capital crimes--an Obama who might even (omigod) shift his position on certain issues--still a better candidate than John McCain?

Abso-freakin-lutely! Those people who say "I cannot support a man who would [condone the FISA compromise/accept the death-penalty/flip-flop/whatever]" are lying to themselves, much less the rest of us. Because what reasonable choice do they have? Where do they plan on finding a candidate who has consistently held positions better than these?

Obama is in a race against John McCain. One of them will win.

Of course you have the right to feel betrayed--especially if you didn't realize that even the most transcendent of politicians is going to come with some sticky clay feet. But this election is damned important, probably, hopefully, the most important in our lifetime.

But consider this: On his worst, flippiest floppiest day, Obama's positions remain significantly better than those of John McCain III.

Is McCain talking even about criminal liability for the telecoms? How long has it been since McCain was pro-choice, even for the first two trimesters? McCain courts the religious right far more aggressively, and he's not even particularly religious! McCain called the Supreme Court's recent ruling on Habeas Corpus "one of the worst decisions in the history of this country." And you want to talk flip flops? How about the issue of torture? How about that business about the US being greeted as liberators?

No matter how angry you are at Obama--and I'm not denying your right to be so--can we at least agree that Obama is better than McCain?

If not, go back and read those quotes from his website.

Can you really imagine McCain encouraging dissent? Do you honestly think McCain will seriously ask people to hold him accountable?

I've got to believe that, in this light, you do support the Democratic candidate, at least marginally, no matter how grudgingly, over the Republican. So how about including that little tidbit in your critiques of him? Just to be clear to the MSM vultures who keep looking for reasons to downplay Obama's electibility.

"I wholly support Barack Obama for president. But I think he could do better, and I hope that he does. I intend to do my part to ensure that he gets elected, and that he therefore gets more chances to do better."

That is how we will continue to unite, as a party.

That is how we'll win this election.