From the article, quoting Obama: “Don’t tell me words don’t matter,” Mr. Obama said, to applause. “ ‘I have a dream’ — just words? ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal’ — just words? ‘We have nothing to fear but fear itself’ — just words? Just speeches?”

Whether from Deval Patrick or not, the argument used to deflect criticism from his "mere rhetoric" is crafty. There is a subtle suggestion that his own words compare in stature to the examples offered. Further, there's a subtle suggestion that to dismiss Obama's words is to dismiss these other words as well.

If this gambit works -- that is, insulating him from criticism of his lack of real substance -- then he's unbeatable. His only weakness is also the most damning -- his lack of stature and experience. Remove that from consideration and what's left is an attractive man offering attractive assurances of his ability to provide an attractive future.

I am beginning to think the only thing that can change the dynamics of this thing is another terrorist attack on our soil. I don't wish for that, but it does appear that's the only thing that will pierce the veil.