I'll stick with "two utterly different versions of reality," thanks. In your version, as I understand it, Obama joined the church as "a convenient entree into local Chicago politics." In your version, Obama "automatically" described Wright's "thoughts and motives" in a particular way. In my much less cynical version, Obama thinks carefully and insightfully and, yes, compassionately about what he does and says.

But, hey, we do agree that today's speech was "brilliant," and maybe that means there's a chance for a less than abortive conversation some other time. Until then, I'll hope that one of these days you hear a campaign speech that's as powerful and impressive to you as Obama's Philly speech was to me.