NYT (via Drudge):

“They got a transient boost from the sort of imagery surrounding her (Palin’s) selection,” Mr. Axelrod said. “But I think things will settle in. She will be a candidate and not just a symbol.”

Barack Obama (June 29, 2008):

“I have become a symbol of the possibility of America returning to our best traditions,”

One wonders when “things will settle in” and Mr. Obama will be “a candidate and not just a symbol”.