Like former New York Governor David Paterson. Lots of ideas. But no clout. Not when you compare him with the man who came next, Andrew Cuomo.
Does perception play a role in power? The public already perceived Cuomo as a force to be reckoned with. He was tough. "He'll get things done." He was elected Governro and IMMEDIATELY "got things done" and he is still getting things done this very day!
Just a decade or so ago, Cuomo was out of public favor, criticized for even thinking about running for public office as Governor against another popular prominent politician, who has since faded from the limelight.
Perception.
On the national scene, Barack Obama seems to be stuck in the shoes David Paterson wore during his waning days in New York. Many observers have singled out Hillary Clinton as the person to challenge Obama. They say Clinton could "get the job done" where obama hasn't been able to get traction.Clinton has carved out an image (much the same Cuomo did, whether by accident or by design) as a tough person who gets what (s)he wants. And if there ever was a one-two punch, Hillary has Bill in her corner.
What's the actual difference between Paterson and Cuomo, between Obama and Clinton? Why was Paterson fizzling while Cuomo was (and is) electrifying?
Perception?
Remember, had Obama not emerged in the previous presidential contest, Clinton would have been president, and I'm sure she's thankful now, with the way the economy has gone, that things turned out the way they did.
Tags: Clinton for President 2012, Barack Obama
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