It’s hard to figure what’s going on with Obama, whether his recent statements on Social Security and now Health Care represent his deeply studied beliefs, ill studied opinions or calculated “centering” to keep up his “uniter not a divider” logo. He has been a breath of fresh air in many ways, personable, charismatic, someone who galvanizes the young. But we worry that his compromising instincts will give away one arm and call it good because the Republicans were demanding both.

From the beginning, advocates of universal health care were troubled by the incompleteness of Barack Obama’s plan, which unlike those of his Democratic rivals wouldn’t cover everyone. But they were willing to cut Mr. Obama slack on the issue, assuming that in the end he would do the right thing.
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Now, however, Mr. Obama is claiming that his plan’s weakness is actually a strength. What’s more, he’s doing the same thing in the health care debate he did when claiming that Social Security faces a “crisis” — attacking his rivals by echoing right-wing talking points.

Krugman on Obama’s Health Care

By the way, it’s interesting the Edwards said the other day there was a lot more distance between him and Clinton than between him and Obama. So maybe he can channel his tougher healthcare plan on over…