So I can’t tell you why, but let me pose it as a hypothetical, because someone I know is going to try it in real life soon. What, if anything, do you believe Little People like us, can do to pressure Obama to remain true to progressives Democratic values, right now? When I say “Little People,” I mean all of us who ’only’ have several dozen to thousands of readers, or dollars, or connections- in contrast with those of the big Playahs, who have millions of those things.

I know a lot of you have chosen not to vote for Obama in the fall. That’s your right, for all that I don’t agree such a choice is constructive. But pretend with me: if you could march up to him right now and say, “Stand up and fight, publically and proudly, for [fundamental progressive value/issue X] right now, or else!” what would the “else” part be? Beyond, “or you won’t get my vote in the fall or contribution during the campaign.”