Do I want to dispute this, Ron?
[[[And Dean is only looking for a way to end this contest--with Obama as the nominee.

No fool, he is very aware of the opportunity Obama presents--to dramatically increase the rolls of Democratic voters--especially with more young and black voters. Hispanic voters will see that Obama's positions are at least as much in their favor as Hillary's.   Older women voters, in addition to often being far more against the Iraq war than Hillary is, see the #1 issue, as I've noted before, as preventing a Republican from naming any more Supreme Court justices. So despite what they may say now, they will support the Democratic nominee--whoever that person is.

And Dean is also aware of the danger of picking Hillary as the nominee. The enthusiasm of the Obama legions will emphatically not transfer to Hillary. Just being willing to vote is not the deciding factor in a campaign. The gritty work of actually getting out the vote needs foot soldiers--provided in 2004 to Bush by the "Religious Right"--and now available-- in unheard-of quantity--to the Democrats with Obama supporters--including amazing numbers of independents--and even some Republicans--especially anybody against the Iraq war.

Far from offering anything comparable, Hillary has a 48% negative rating--virtually half the country.    And she will bring the Republicans together--against her--like nothing else can.

If anybody cares to debate any of the above--without vulgar attacks on anybody--I'd be happy to oblige. Obviously, discussions can get heated, but while questioning somebody's logic, or even sense, we should be able to stay out of the gutter. Hope it's not too much to ask.]]]

Hardly.

I think you've spelled out clearly and concisely why Obama NEEDS to be the Democrats' noninee if they hope to prevail in November and why he will be.

As for winning in the general, the Dems, for once, have to force the big issues -- e.g., the Supreme Court (and lower federal courts) -- into the public consciousness over the noise of the "mainstream media" talking heads.