Barack still drawing waves of people

Despite questions over his sustainability and the substance of his policy, Barack still holds a remarkable spell over the people.

He drew about 20,000 people to his Atlanta rally despite that fact that a major storm system was headed that way.

Obviously many, many people are still convinced Obama is the real thing -- the right person for out times.

He has been scrutinized for elements of his name, "Hussein" and "Obama" which they note sounds like Osama (and also "Yo Mama"). The press has explored his cigarette smoking habit, his blackness or lack thereof, and the church he attends.

I know practially nothing about the youth of the other candidates, but I feel now as I have detailed knowledge of Obama's growing up in Hawai'i after reading so many news reports. Every detail of his youth that he mentions in his book "Dreams of My Father" appear to have been checked or are being checked by meticulous reporters for consistency.

All the fine-toothed combing of Obama's life and words though seems not to have dented his mass grassroots appeal.

Turning that appeal into votes will require focused work by his supporters.

Handing out Obama leaflets in front of stores where 80 percent of the customers are Republicans won't help because Republicans can't vote in a Democrat primary. Polls tell us that Obama appeals to young people, African Americans, Iraq War opponents, etc. Those are the people supporters should target in progressive-leaning neighborhoods or homes.