Before I began my obsession with Prison Break, I was happily obsessed with another show--The West Wing.  I loved the political back and forth, the quick analysis and the conversations that involved missing steps because everyone was thinking so quickly.  But most of all, the West Wing was about government the way we all hoped it was--the optimistic reading of how the people in charge did their jobs and lived their lives, with an intense focus on working hard and doing what was right--what would make people's lives better.  They were concsious of their great responsibility, they wore the responsibility 24-7, like their suits because they were too busy to go home and change.  The end of the series lived up to that promise--as it followed the primaries through the campaign and finished with the orderly succession, the orderly transfer of power, the miracle that characterizes our democracy every four years.

Obama is the candidate that best lives up to the promise of the West Wing.  A big part of it is his charisma, his ability to give a speech and bring a crowd roaring to its feet.  Obama can speak about the problems our society faces with honesty and he can bring truths from the situation that comfort everyone.  Sure he's vague, and sure he's new on the scene of politics, but if I've learned anything from the West Wing, that doesn't always matter.

And yet, the question remains-- is inspiration enough to get the job done?  I think that is the fascinating question here.  Is the ability to speak honestly and movingly about issues enough to take them on, and, possibly, make people's lives better?