Folks, this is not a typical DailyKos diary.  This is politics free.  No, I'm not trying to stir up memories of Katrina and Brownie and yet another fine example of Republican mismanagement due to nepotism and using the system as an old boys network.  No... I'm a meteorologist working as a forecaster responsible for tracking tropical cyclones.  So, I wanted to share the latest info on the threat of Gustav with my fellow Kossacks.

Two front pagers talking about the polls yesterday, including Markos himself.  Both were correct in their analyses.  But I believe two critical aspects weren't addressed.  And let me just say, I'm not one of those rose-colored-glasses, everything's-great-for-Obama spinners.  Nor am I one of those gloom and doomers ready to leap from the Golden Gate Bridge just because Zogby says McCain's ahead by 5%.  Rather, I try to be as objective in my analysis as I can.  And the bottom line, from what I can see, is that although the poll averages are tightening some, the race is virtually unmoved from where it was when Obama's lead was proclaimed to be larger than it is now.  Here's why...

Okay, now that the diary title got your attention (yes, it's complete snark ...though I did vote for Ross once back in my too-dumb-to-know-better days), time for the real point regarding the VP selection.  And I'm sorry if this diary comes off as a sheer rant and something akin to a diary already on the RECed list.  But I've had a terrible day (my beloved pet passed away... one that was abused, abandoned and in terrible shape and I had to nurse back to health... after five years in my care, it was crushing to say "goodbye" today) and I could use a good rant, and something to take my mind off things.  And I've been considering a rant of this sort for the past week or two, amidst all the VP speculation.  So, bear with me below the fold...

Full disclosure: I am a strong Obama supporter, and I believe a Hillary Clinton nomination for the Democratic Party would not be in its best interest.  BUT I really feel like Hillary is getting a raw deal from some people, including many on this site.  My apologies in advance for the length of this rant... I hope you bother to read it... I'm just a rather frustrated Obamaniac...

No, I'm not a concern troll.  And, no, I'm not a Clinton hater.  And, no, this is not another one of those annoying, obnoxious candidate diaries whch we've seen way, way, way too much of on here.  But my own perception, regardless of spin, is that Clinton is the winner yesterday.  No, it's obviously not "over" - Obama did well, and the next set of primaries look good for him - but Clinton outperforming in CA, MA, NJ and some other states presents a good narrative for her, I think (esp in CA).  So, I think she has moved closer to the nomination after Super Tuesday (I know, I know, many of you will disagree).  I find this thoroughly depressing, as I believe the nomination of Hillary Clinton would do irreparable harm to the party and the nation.  Why?  Read on...