he's kind of half making a valid point. it's one thing to point out that the lack of local activism is responsible for the lack of movement - and he's technically correct in doing so. it's another to look at the viability of local activism, combined with the broad intentions of the american public. it's not clear that americans ever wanted a republic. it's pretty clear at this point, however, that they don't, right now. maybe they will one day...
putting obama's soft right leanings aside, historians looking back are going to see a blown opportunity. he walked into this with a congressional majority, and sat on his hands until it disappeared. now, he complains he can't get anything through congress. oops.