Why has it taken so long for liberals to recognize Obama as one of their own? Edwards dropping out is an obvious explanation. So are the marginal policy differences between him and Clinton. And his Republicans-are-people-too routine.
But I think the main reason is that it's just hard to categorize him. Edwards and Clinton are political types we all know, but Obama isn't. Walter Shapiro saw this in Iowa.
Still, as I listen with a bit of wonder to Obama's rhetoric, I worry as a political reporter if I am missing something. I understand the cautious establishmentarian campaign that Clinton is waging. I grasp that Edwards is following the standard insurgent's playbook by running as an outsider who will shake up the system. But Obama is following his own compass -- setting out on a path different from those of former Democratic presidential contenders, even new-politics crusaders like Gary Hart (1984) and Bill Bradley (2000).
Since then, lots of thoughtful people have helped the left understand who Obama is. See earlier posts for some good links (this blog is less than 1 month old).
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