But that's not the reason, says New York Magazine. The real reason is that he was leaning Obama, but Obama blew it:
According to a Democratic strategist unaligned with any campaign but with knowledge of the situation gleaned from all three camps, the answer is simple: Obama blew it. Speaking to Edwards on the day he exited the race, Obama came across as glib and aloof. His response to Edwards's imprecations that he make poverty a central part of his agenda was shallow, perfunctory, pat. Clinton, by contrast, engaged Edwards in a lengthy policy discussion. Her affect was solicitous and respectful. When Clinton met Edwards face-to-face in North Carolina ten days later, her approach continued to impress; she even made headway with Elizabeth. Whereas in his Edwards sit-down, Obama dug himself in deeper, getting into a fight with Elizabeth about health care, insisting that his plan is universal (a position she considers a crock), high-handedly criticizing Clinton's plan (and by extension Edwards's) for its insurance mandate.That's actually pretty damning. One hears stories about how gracious and charming Hillary can be in a one-on-one meeting, even if that charm doesn't carry over during big speeches. Is Obama disadvantaged in the other direction? Is he great with the big crowds but clumsy in person?
1 comment:
I've been really impressed with a few speeches and interviews, and seen other stuff where he struck me as kind of a dick.
I don't think it's a matter of being clumsy in person, but simply not paying attention to the details. That's the main reason I'm still a Clinton supporter. Obama's got the leadership/inspiration down, but it's really a crap shoot whether that pans out to a good presidency. Clinton pays attention to all the details, and has got the Clinton machine, and obsessive devotion to good governance. And a better health care plan.
I still can't believe Austin Goolsbee came up with O'bama's plan. (I know him, I expected better. I think they were expecting more resistance to reforming health care when they created it.)
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