Great article! But in fairness to Obama, he did say his administration wouldn't prosecute medical marijuana users in states where it is legal. It's a small concession but a huge departure from Bush. Plus I think medical marijuana will be the backdoor to eventual legalization, just as out-of-state gay marriages are now being recognized in NY, paving the way to allowing gay marriage in NY, because it is the will of the people (at least in NY).

McCain may not be a hypocrite on drugs, but electing him definitely won't improve drug policy.

No matter who the candidate is, at this point they are trying to get elected, and to do so they need the support of Middle America which right now is terrorized of drugs thanks to crystal meth. Hopefully if Obama is elected he will gradually implement reforms in the enforcement area and use his political skills to get people to accept successful policies they may have opposed at first -- like Bush securing permanent unlimited funding for the war in Iraq.

Successful reforms would likely affect public attitudes toward certain aspects of the drug war such as those Sam mentioned, which in turn could prompt legislative changes to reflect the will of the people.

But first Obama has to get elected. For now I don't know what more he can do.