Barack Obama, when will he run?

[Frodo]

Either 2012 or 2016 (maybe even 2020) would be highly likely.  I strongly prefer that he run in 2016 as by that time he would be completing his second term as Illinois senator if (and when) he decides to run for the Democratic presidential nomination, and that his lack of experience will then be less of an issue.

The most obvious obstacle to his ability to win the presidential election is that he is a senator.  Nothing else really comes to mind.  I am tempted to mention the generally negative response among liberal Democratic activists to his recent public support for Sen. Joe Lieberman's re-election campaign this year, but I strongly doubt that they will remember it when he decides to run.  He will have enormous cross-party potential if he continues the course he is currently on.