As the Republicans base themselves in the heartland of Dixie, and exploit the current enclaves of cynical division and ugly bigotry, Obama coopts the greatest Republican president:
"The life of a tall, gangly, self-made Springfield lawyer tells us that a different future is possible. He tells us that there is power in words. He tells us that there is power in conviction. That beneath all the differences of race and region, faith and station, we are one people. He tells us that there is power in hope."
Yes there is. And, yes, Obama is helping.