Wallace was first and last an opportunist. Like many professional politicians, a stand on either side of the desegregation issues was purely a matter of cynical electoral calculation, not actual principle for or against.

As late as 1958 Wallace had the endorsement of the NAACP. And by 1982, he was again winning the majority of the black vote in Alabama.

What does this have to do with Obama? Nobody really thinks that Obama agrees with Rev. Wright's offensive rhetoric, or that he hates on anyone in particular. What people believe instead was Obama joiined Wright's church out of simple political opportunism.

When you seek office, in addition to kissing babies you must kiss certain rings as well. And depending on whether you are in 60s Alabama, or 90s Chicago, those rings might well sit on the fingers of angry whites or angry blacks.

Wallace, Bill Clinton, Obama, ex-wizard Robert f-ing Byrd! Are they not all the same?