I think he is smart enough to run a good campaign, but his handling of the Blago scandal makes me wonder.  Didn't he see that coming, and does he have such little influence in Illinois that this Blago deal goes on and on?

Obama said that 9 x 3 = 28, said there are 57 states in the United States.  You decide.

I'm not sure. He has academic credentials to prove he has some brains, and he has a glib and articulate speaking style, but the latter does not prove brilliance.

A Harvard law degree can't put anyone on this list lower than a 3. . .and Dumbo didn't have any family or wealthy daddy-connections to put him in the Ivy League.  And no matter what happens in the future we are talking about the guy who spearheaded the interruption of the coronation of the Hillanator. . .

Barack Obama seems to be a very smart guy who will have plenty of success in politics. Don't be surprised to see that, despite his lack of years in public office, to be touted as a potential VP candidate in 2008. Some want him to run now; his supporters tout his pragmatism and charisma as major positives.

But I will be blunt here: I don't believe that this country is ready to elect a Northern liberal black Democrat to the Presidency. I have no doubt in my mind that he would be an excellent presidential contender, but unfortunately there are still some quarters in this country that would refuse to consider his candidacy from the starting gate. He would perform well in the North, but in the deep south, he would have a hard time getting support. It would be a good race, but a losing one.

I am confident though that he will show up as a VP on the national ticket, maybe as early as 2008. This would be especially the case if the Democrats decide to go with a more moderate choice like former Virginia Governor Mark Warner or Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana. In that case, Obama would help energize the Democratic base and possibly gain a few extra independent votes.

This gentleman is obviously of high intelligence.Too bad there's so many racists and Republofascists out there,he'd make a great President.

I think he is bright, but so far he seems more impressed with his 'reviews' than anyone else, ie saying he is not thinking of running for Prez (which means he HAS thot about it) The guy has NO political credibility yet, so, go to do your job in Congress for about 10-15 years and LEARN and THEN come back and think of running for Prez, we don't need another cowboy in the White House thank you!

Appears to be quite intelligent. His speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004 was brilliant. Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard Law School. Quite Bright.

His brilliance is established by one speech? We'll see. How desperate are democrats that they'll take a lightweight resume like this, whom they know so little about, and make him a party front-runner simply because he hasn't committed any public gaffes (yet)? Isn't this Carol Mosley-Braun's one-term seat? Anybody got an egg-timer?