The Convention

I saw Joe Biden's speech last night. I covet his teeth. Should Mitt Romney be the GOP's Vice Presidential candidate, the VP's Debate will be an overwhelming exposition of American dental power. It will be the Shock and Awe of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Watching the convention, it is easy to get excited. Forty five years after "I Have Dream" and we have a black candidate. Not only that, we have a black candidate who is the best candidate in the race. Who at least has a convincing diagnosis of the country's ills. One senses a mature country in the offing. A country at peace with its own diversity and in step the new global realities. Heady stuff.

But then you turn off the TV. And you are back in America and you must confront the lack of imagination that too often undermines our politics. There is a group of voters out there -- however large-- who say they are worried about his experience. I suspect what really worries them is the courage it takes to claim the America we want. They are looking for an old white father figure to keep them safe, and lack the imagination to envision an America whose future is not constrained by their fears.

Fear, greed, and bigotry. Once Obama gets over those... he'll be fine.