Obamavision

That’s what Cobb calls Obama’s unique style of soft-spoken but vague rhetoric about unity and change and etc. The specifics aren’t readily apparent, which is undoubtedly purposeful. But some positions are dribbling out of the public record. Here’s one on his intention to decriminalize reefer, an idea I could support, because the Drug War has been a disaster, though I doubt he could do it by executive order. But then he confuses things, saying he’s not out to legalize it. Maybe he means to make possession or sale a civil penalty? Maybe it’s just part of his preferred vagueness.

James Taranto thinks he sees a demagogue in the making: "Whatever the merits of compromise vs. confrontation in any given situation, Obama…is standing the meanings of words on their heads–and lots of citizens respond by nodding their heads as if no one has ever made so much sense. Isn’t there something a bit worrying about this Obama phenomenon?"

The Dems are nodding. They did that with Kerry in ’04. They tend to do that. But what a choice they have: Obama the soother or everyone’s wicked stepmother. Fortunately there’s months left for Obama to reveal himself. Then he won’t be so soothing. Mickey Kaus, afterall, already finds him pandering to the Hispanic vote on illegal immigrants–though a lot of them are also upset about illegals. What a crazy political year, and it’s hardly begun.

MORE:  This, and other things he’s said now and then suggest the kind of change he has in mind.