OBAMA'S STRANGE POLITICAL STEW - AT 8:22 A.M. ET:  The White House has intervened in elections in two states.  It is probably a coincidence, but both have African-American governors.

In Massachusetts, the president has spoken with his friend, Gov. Deval Patrick, about changing the law so Patrick can appoint an interim senator to replace Ted Kennedy, assuring Obama of a needed Senate vote on the health-care issue. 

And here in New York, Obama's emissaries have not-very-gently suggested to Gov. David Paterson, an African-American, that he not run for a full term, citing his profound unpopularity.  Paterson succeeded resigned Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who got outed while honoring, with substantial dollars, the world's oldest profession.  Paterson can do nothing right. 

Now Paterson is showing his defiance. 

Gov. David A. Paterson insisted on Sunday that he would continue his campaign for governor, despite urgings from the White House that he step aside for the good of the Democratic Party.

At a parade in Harlem, the governor refused to discuss his conversations with President Obama’s political team, which has made clear to Mr. Paterson in recent days that it has lost confidence in him and does not believe he can be elected next fall.

Paterson is taking a cue from foreign leaders, who realize that Obama is all hat and no cattle.  Defy him, and he sends you a birthday card.  Oh, Paterson's birthday is May 20th, so there's time.

If Paterson defies Obama, without consequence, it will just reinforce Obama's reputation for weakness.

What's odd is that one state where Obama has refused to intervene is his own home state of Illinois - well, his home state after Kansas, Hawaii, Indonesia, and maybe some other places.  When it came time to fill the Senate seat he vacated when he became president, Obama said nothing, allowing the seat to go the renowned Roland Burris, who has not yet been labeled Roland the Great.  I guess Obama knew he'd be ignored.  It's an axiom in Illinois politics that presidents don't count.  County clerks count. 

We wait for Obama's next foray into state electoral matters.  Maybe he could drop a hint to Barbara Boxer that she could have an exciting future as a school crossing guard.  Wonderful benefits.  The kids bring cookies.

September 21,  2009