***It's now clear that Democratic Voters Are At The "WHATEVER" Stage.

[dkf]

http://www.politico.com/playbook/

A Clinton loyalist e-mails us in despair and befuddlement: "It's almost like his mistakes and his weaknesses helped some people decide to like him even more. I don't quite get it. This goes beyond Teflon!"

Check out yesterday's timeline:

9:49 a.m. - Clinton "friend" and Cabinet member Robert Reich blogs: "I believe that Barack Obama should be elected President of the United States. Although Hillary Clinton has offered solid and sensible policy proposals, Obama's strike me as even more so."

1:31 p.m. - Reuters — "Obama keeps rolling, Clinton running out of time," By Political Correspondent John Whitesides: "After a tough six-week stretch of campaign gaffes, roaring controversies and heightened scrutiny, Barack Obama's presidential bid appears as strong as ever — and rival Hillary Clinton is running out of time to change the script."

1:57 p.m. - AP — "Analysis: Time, delegate math working against Clinton," by Special Correspondent David Espo: "Time is running out on Hillary Rodham Clinton, the long-ago front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination who now trails Barack Obama in delegates, states won and popular votes. Compounding Clinton's woes, Obama appears on track to finish the primary campaign fewer than 100 delegates shy of the 2,025 needed to win." Actually, AP figures Obama may finish the primaries with "only 80 less than the total needed to clinch the nomination."

more

[NJmaverick]

1. This is what makes a great leader

The ability to get people to look past the minor mistakes.

It's also a matter of likeability. Hillary is not naturally likeable. Despite the best efforts of her image consultants, her smiles still seem forced and her momements of humility faked. Obama is a NATURAL leader. He has the ability to inspire and lead. He is natually likeable guy. He doesn't have to force anything.

[OzarkDem]

2. They're running out of reasons to support Obama

So they just keep making stuff up. :shrug:

Everyone has pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that he doesn't have enough experience and is vulnerable in the GE. So now they're trying to find new ways to rationalize supporting him.

He's a celebrity candidate, as someone said the junk food candidate. He's not good for you, but those who are addicted to him keep trying to find reasons not to stop.

Like potato chips.

[dkf]

4. No, they support him for the reasons they've always supported him.

They're tired of these stupid trivial non-issues, as am I.

[ginnyinWI]

5. He is not perfect and he makes mistakes.

But he's simply a better choice than Hillary.

She's not perfect and she makes mistakes, too, but in addition, she's not as honest and therefore not as trustworthy. Her public image has not been consistent. Blame it on a poorly run campaign, or blame it on other things--but it's still there.

I also don't see as much imagination to her. She's a good, deliberative type, suited to be a legislator, as long as she sticks to good principles and doesn't sell out to special interests. But she lacks the ability to convey vision and unify people and get them to look to the future in a positive way.

She'd be a good enough president, but Obama has the potential to be a great one. That's why this 50-something female chooses Obama.

[roguevalley]

6. how about scaife endorsing her. explain that one.

[phrigndumass]

3. K/R - I wonder if AP has been following the Huckabee Index =)

<Snip>

Actually, AP figures Obama may finish the primaries with "only 80 less than the total needed to clinch the nomination."

<end Snip>

My count is 66 :woohoo: