"Don't tell Mama, I'm for Obama"

That's the unofficial motto of the Barack Obama campaign. It refers to Clinton's nickname as first lady and the conflicted loyalties of Democratic political aides, many of whom are talking to both camps about possible jobs in the presidential campaigns. Obama's explosive rise has startled Clinton and her advisers, who now are unsure of which direction they will take.

They may need to make that decision soon. . .Mr.Obama talked with Democratic deep-pockets such as George Soros in Manhattan earlier this week, and tomorrow he'll be visiting New Hampshire. And, Obama earned loads of gratitude and goodwill by campaigning doggedly for fellow Democrats this fall, often drawing the largest crowd of each campaign.

Colleagues say Clinton and Obama appear to genuinely admire each other. So far, they claim to see zero evidence of public rancor. "Everybody gets along just fine," said Tom Harkin. Ted Kennedy described the pair as "extra-dimensional individuals" and asserted in an interview: "There's no sort of pettiness or jealousy that I see. They understand the momentous nature of what the search for the presidency is all about."

I, along with most of you, was quite impressed with Obama's keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. As the buzz about him first began to grow this summer and fall, my thoughts echoed those of Clinton donor and supermarket magnate John Catsimatidis: "He might be ready for prime time, but I think it's too early."

My thoughts, however, are beginning to change. Of the possible Democratic candidates for 2008, my top two choices are likely both out of the running (although I'm not officially counting out the second one just yet). Those choices were Russ Feingold and Al Gore. I always have, and still do, considered Evan Bayh as a contender. But he has made some choices that have not sat well with me. I think he may be, like Clinton, attempting to play to the middle too much. That was a great strategy in the '90's, not so much so today.

I don't want a weather vane for president; I want a true progressive leader. A leader who not only recognizes what's directly ahead, but what lays beyond the curve in the road. A leader whose policy direction isn't dictated by slight shifts in public opinion, yet is wise enough to alter course when facts and situations require this. I know that Russ Feingold and Al Gore are that type of leader. I'm fairly certain that Mrs.Clinton is not, and. . .Mr.Bayh, please take two steps back to the left so that I may consider you. Until then, I'll be keeping my eye on a certain Illinois Senator. . .