To be clear: Barack will support a filibuster of any bill that includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies.

Today, Obama caved.

And for what? Political expedience? Who's going to vote for him because he's soft on crime committed by King George and the Telecoms? To earn a reprieve from Republicans for criticizing him as soft on terrorists? They don't need an excuse, and now they're hitting him for flip-flopping.

Given the grave threats that we face, our national security agencies must have the capability to gather intelligence and track down terrorists before they strike.

Democracy cannot exist without strong differences. And going forward, some of you may decide that my FISA position is a deal breaker. That's ok. But I think it is worth pointing out that our agreement on the vast majority of issues that matter outweighs the differences we may have. After all, the choice in this election could not be clearer. Whether it is the economy, foreign policy, or the Supreme Court, my opponent has embraced the failed course of the last eight years, while I want to take this country in a new direction. Make no mistake: if John McCain is elected, the fundamental direction of this country that we love will not change. But if we come together, we have an historic opportunity to chart a new course, a better course.

So, in summary, Senator Obama is holding his progressive constituency hostage against the threat of Bush's third term, so he can take advantage of... nothing. Now THAT is negative campaigning. THAT is the politics of fear. Republicans have been trying to scare us with terrorists for years now. And it's worked so well, now Democrats are trying to scare us with Republicans.

I love you back, Senator. Not only have you allowed yourself to be victimized by fear tactics, but you have now officially proven that you are qualified to hold the office of President of the United States in the 21st century: You have mastered the art of fearmongering.

Comments –Nato