An image of Barack Obama and John Edwards popped up on my screen and I sucked in my breath. Could it be? Did Obama announce that Edwards would be his running mate?

It took a moment for me to adjust to reality - the NYT headline announced only that Edwards endorsed Obama, and of course, it’s still (frustratingly) too early to announce a VP candidate. But in that brief mistaken moment I had a flash of the optimism and inspiration I’d felt in following the Edwards campaign, in large part because I view agricultural policy as a key issue, and Edwards — as the Ethicurean pointed out — had it right.

The night Edwards withdrew I voiced my wish for an Obama/Edwards ticket. The image of Obama and Edwards side by side on the Obama campaign’s website feels like a glimpse into the future — when my wish comes true.