One thing that is so out of character, is that Obama allegedly became editor of the Harvard Law Review, during his time at Law School. I hear that this is a coveted position, as it probably looks good on a resume, and places one in a very political "power" position. Surely, not a position given up easily, and yet he had it.
It would seem that an undergrad slacker must've had some kind of academic epiphany before they were admitted and entered such a prestigious law school. And from his perch on the editorial board, there were still no publications with his name? No articles attributed to him?
Obama didn't write an article for the Harvard Law Review - the only editor/president (the title has changed over time) not to do so.
However, Obama did write a case note at 103 Harv. L. Rev. 823 (1990).
There's a huge difference between an article and a case note. An article represents independent thought on a topic and discusses how the law should be changed, or may apply given social or technological changes, and cites a large number of cases on point or for analogy. A case note is simply a notice of an important decision by a court and an explanation of the decision.
Obama wrote about an Illinois court holding that unborn children have no legal right to sue their mothers for damage sustained during pregnancy, from such things as alcohol or illegal drugs.
Cashill covers this in depth. Harvard Law Review changed it's policy on Editor just as Obama matriculated. It had previously been a position awarded on merit (grades, acumen, written papers etc.) and was highly prized. However, it was decided (strangely enough coinciding with Zero's appearance) that it would NOW be based on race and popularity. I know, you don't believe it. Check Cashill for the facts. He was actually VOTED in. Beyond belief, but had it been on merit he never would have gotten it. Cashill also explains what was going on in terms of Harvard's law professors at that time which facilitated his ascension.