I've heard different versions of this story, but it goes something like this.  A group of progressive activists once met with FDR, pushing him to support their cause.  FDR listened patiently, then closed the meeting by telling them: "I agree with you, I want to do it, now make me do it."

Since the election, this and other liberal boards have been filled with endless speculation, worry, and argument about the state of Barack Obama's mind and soul.  Is he a "true progressive" or a "corporate Democrat"?  An idealist or a power-hungry politician?  This afternoon, with the Daschle and Gregg stories, this sort of discussion has reached a fever pitch, including some downright hysterical commentary.

I'm a "true progressive," at least according to my own definition.  I voted for Obama in the primary and general.  I have a favorable impression of him.  But I don't know the answers to these questions, and likely no one else does either, possibly except the man himself.  I hope for the best, but fear the worst.

I've engaged in plenty of this sort of speculation myself, and will again.  It relieves the nerves and can be entertaining.  But it doesn't accomplish a damn thing.  If he's truly fixed on certain policies, there's not much anyone can do about it, for good or ill.  The same is true for other powerful people in D.C.  If his mind is not made up, though, anything that can convince him that activists, donors, and the public want him to be progressive can only help.  No matter who he really is, he wants and needs to be popular and re-elected.

So let's spend less time arguing about what Obama really is after, and more making him be after the right things.  That's how successful movements work.