Hitting the Nail on the Head

Andrew Sullivan is a vocal, passionate, and intelligent supporter of Barack Obama. And I think this is exactly the reason, more than any other. It's not just the brilliant rhetoric, the appeal of post-racial politics, or even his detailed policy proposals - although I like all of these things about him. The man's philosophy of government is as brilliant as it is rare.

In politics, detailed policy positions certainly do matter. But style, instincts, integrity, and philosophy matter a great deal as well. These are the areas where Hillary Clinton patently fails, and where Obama succeeds - or at least has a chance of succeeding - in a way that few politicians ever have. I'd also point out that I think that none of the Republican candidates come anywhere near the mark on these fronts either.