Rorschach Reflux

Even as Obama and HRC talk Unity - and speak "constructively" by phone re: debt retirement - two stories out this a.m. highlight some dis-unity between Obama and religious groups.

-- As has been noted, Obama's appeal stems in part from supporters who say they see themselves reflected in him. He's a blank slate upon whom folks put their hopes, aspirations etc. But there's a flip-side to this appeal: when Obama doesn't reflect that image back to them, they feel slighted. Cue the NYT front-pager on dispirited Muslim supporters of Obama.

-- As the campaign shifts into 11/08 gear, there are plenty of other folks who will no longer be feeling the love. Dems are counting on enthusiasm gap to boost them 11/08. But keeping the energy level as high as it was during the primary race will be an ongoing struggle.

-- Dobson's "fruitcake" comments suggest that Obama's evangelical outreach is out of reach. But Dobson's no fan of McCain either, and 3rd-party option Bob Barr has positions on legalizing marijuana and gay rights that won't jibe w/these folks. Does this mean that rank-and-file Focus members are now more in play then ever?