Challenge Obama in 2012

Bernie Sanders said it yesterday, but I've been thinking it for quite a while: President Obama needs a primary challenger in 2012.

Initially, I wanted a challenger just to bring him back to the left. After the debt ceiling debacle, I'm more convinced than ever that Obama is simply powerless and ineffectual — and that's coming from someone who is so far to the left that I'm practically a Sandinista.

Obama has shown that he is more interested than being a nice guy and "compromise" than in getting things done and sticking to core principles. And frankly, the Democrats deserve better.

I would suggest Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is always outspoken and clear on what needs getting done. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) are two others that leap to the forefront, although my money is more on Feingold for being reliable. Schumer is solid, but he was kind of intertwined in this "compromise."

It's not time for Hillary to run again, although that's certainly my dream: I voted for her at every opportunity until it was simply impossible. Now, I'd settle for a Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-Mont.). If only not for an erroneous Tweet, I'd wish for Anthony Weiner. He's still a hell of a Democrat.