Since the first purpose of an elected politician is reelection, our reps and senators happily punt their enhanced and formerly state powers to the executive branch. This relieves them of responsibility and casting votes that could cost them their next election.
The 17A is thus responsible for the folding of all power into the executive branch and into the hands of one man. It is amazing nearly a hundred years had to pass before the appearance of an Obama.
Being a true radical who kept his promise to fundamentally transform America, I cannot envision Obama risking his nefarious accomplishments on the election of a non-radical in 2016. Obama knows there is an undercurrent of unrest and resistance; he is willing to do what it takes to secure his tyranny.
Article V while we can.
Yes, exactly why the progressives wanted it.