The Silver Lining For Obama

Some home truths: a tough, long primary battle will take the sting out of the powerful backlash that he is the function of a fad of euphoria, marketing hype, or gas-baggery. It will take the edge off the criticism that he is untested. It will help him prove his mettle and endurance.

His coolness in response to adversity is one of his stronger personal attributes. This could be highlighted.

No question: he and Michelle were getting a little cocky. Time to let some of the air out of that balloon. Again: fighting for it will make him a better candidate and a better president.

In a long, drawn out battle with the Clintons, Obama will have a lot of cheering from the Republican and Independent sections of the crowd. If he beats Clinton not in a sudden burst of fervor, but in a long, brutal war for delegates, then all the more reason why Republicans and Independents will come to him in the fall.

Per ardua ad astra, baby.