Sixty-one percent of Americans oppose warrantless wiretapping.

Excerpts of Obama's speech are available, and it seems to focus on the economy with a bit (low key) about Iraq. The theme is "America, We Are Better Than These Last Eight Years." When I think "better," I don't think differences of economy. I think constitutional matters and competence that left a bad taste in my mouth. And, the fact the crew in office seem just plain mean and crude. Economy is important, but this is simply not the overwhelming reason why people are so upset about the last eight years.

As to wiretapping, how can Obama bring that up, when he SUPPORTED telecommunication immunity involving just that? Civil liberties? 1/3 of the Senate, Biden's Senate (though Biden came off fairly well on such matters) had 1/3 of its Democratic caucus support the Military Commission Act, that furthered torture, immunity of wrongdoing and stripping of habeas that the Supremes later deemed unconstitutional? That's 2/3 against, which is a lot better than the Republicans, but it's enough to leave a bad taste in a convention where unity is the aim.

Reference was made to Kerry. Recall Kerry had a too little too late move toward to filibuster Alito, who some promised would be important after John Roberts got smooth sailing. O'Connor was the swing vote, and all the ammo would be used to address her replacement. Didn't happen, another loyal conservative (including on civil liberties and executive power issues) got in rather easily.

Die hard Clinton supporters aren't the only ones uneasy of late. Some see Obama as too careful and pliant, willing to further the powers that be and not truly address the wrongs of the Bush Administration because they go beyond it to a conservative movement that the "Democratic" Congress furthers as well. A failure to focus on a key wrong of the Bush Administration underlines the point.

It also seems to reflect a failure of true audacity, that is a bit sad. We are assured that they are on the right side, but an important aspect of the presidency is the bully pulpit, and keeping silent is all too telling.

-j