"I do not fear Barack Obama. I even rather like him."

My only point in responding to Tully here is to take issue with his characterization of Obama as an empty suit. That phrase is commonly used to suggest that one lacks genuine mental accuity and substance.

Nope. In politics it's used to suggest they lack substance, not mental acuity, that they are pretty "on the rack" but ineffective at actual work, but make good front men for others. That they are political cotton candy, sweet and tasty but without nutrition. And that's exactly how I meant it. Obama's political record is sorely lacking in any substantive accomplishments outside of looking pretty and delivering well from a podium. People are investing in an image there, not a track record. Indeed, he works hard to keep much of his past obscure and under wraps. Have we seen his grades from Occidental College? Or Columbia? What about his Columbia senior thesis? His law practice client list? His Illinois Senate papers? What about his record of successes as a "community organizer?" Been one of those myself--and can point to actual accomplishments. Where are his? Ask, and get silence or diversionary double-talk.

In a couple of decades in politics I have known many empty suits. Their greatest skill is looking good while actually accomplishing little or nothing of any value (other than for themselves, that is). They make good front men for others--but are only as good as their team sponsors and staff. They make lousy stand-alone anything.