R-E-S-P-E-C-T

By Ramesh Ponnuru
Washington Post

The other night, Obama whined that McCain "chooses to deny" his "many accomplishments." Some conservatives are tempted to ask: What accomplishments does Obama have?

In truth, Obama does have accomplishments more impressive than beating Alan Keyes and quitting smoking. He has written bestselling books, inspired millions of people, and run an excellent primary campaign for the presidency that beat the odds to defeat Hillary Clinton.

These accomplishments have three characteristics. First, McCain has repeatedly acknowledged them by praising Obama's political talents. Second, most of them came only this year. Third, all of them have had to do with Obama's personal success and advancement.

Few presidential candidates have governed a state, served their country in uniform, created jobs in the private sector, and gotten major legislation enacted. But most of them have done at least one of those things. Obama has not. That's why his critics do not believe he has earned the respect he thinks he deserves.