As for people not wanting to think badly of Obama, there is a very simple reason.

Fear.

What if the Israelis are right? That they are in fact surrounded by implacable enemies who would destroy them, from children to elderly, if they had a chance?

What if Russia is in fact attempting to rebuild it’s empire of glory, and will kill anyone it can get away with killing to accomplish that?

What if the tough reality of economic failure, from banks to personal bankruptcy due to over enthusiastic mortgaging is the only solution to this mess?

What if in fact the policies and teachings of the modern liberal create a generation of ingrates and dangerously selfish?

Etc.

People will believe anyone right now. The world is incredibly insecure and scary. Since the WTO riots in Seattle a few years ago I’ve been watching for someone to harness the fear and insecurity. Obama has done that. As Wretchard said, he has the uncanny ability to be whatever anyone wants him to be. They will follow him through the gates of hell.

Derek