A literature professor once told me to think less about what an author meant and consider instead what effect he had on his audience. Living in Illinois, every day someone asks whether Obama will run, and whether I would support him. And I remember that advice.
I have learned on this one to suppress my natural tendency to dissect every utterance he has ever made and weigh those hints at positions against those of other candidates and against my own positions. Elections are more complex than such comparisons imply.
Now I simply twist the question and give my answer: "Obama should run because it would be good for the primary season, good for the Democrats, and good for the country." And so should Edwards. For the same reason. And Gore.
Here’s why, after the flop ....
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