I have been watching Sean O'Malley since he was "Padre Sean" in D.C. - the celebrated Spanish-speaking priest of the diocese.  Even then, O'Malley had that ambitious air about him that he would go far - he has rocked that Franciscan habit for years.  

Unfortunately, his ticket up the clerical ladder was as "cover-up artist" for bishops and priests who had abused and exploited children.  "Unfortunately" because he never remediated the problems - only the cosmetics.  Then, O'Malley took over from the notorious Cardinal Law in Boston.  O'Malley is good for the cameras, but most survivors know he's just another enabler for the abuse of children.

There was once a time when Americans were always discounted in the conclave.  O'Malley has worked his whole career to wear those Shoes of the Fisherman.  I have to believe that Twitler's ascendency will give other papal electors a little pause about electing an American pope.  Of course, we could do a lot worse than "Papa Sean" ...