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He's the King of Teflon, But Will It Last?

General-election voters want answers, not just a clean suit

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 30, 2008 7:55 PM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama has admitted that all politicians have a “reptilian side,” but the candidate’s slipperiness is so well-cloaked by his affable persona that he must be the “koala of iguanas,” Jack Shafer writes for Slate. Nothing sticks to Obama in part because he has anticipated all attacks and pre-admitted his mistakes, as far back as his book, Dreams From My Father.

Shafer sees calculation everywhere, even in Obama’s oft-criticized voting record. His “lack of legislative accomplishment is a genuine achievement. They can't hit you where they can't find you.” But in the general election, where voters “tend to want more answers and fewer gestures,” Obama will have to drop his shield and embrace, rather than skillfully evade, the press and the country.

Obama can do no wrong, even in Germany.
Obama can do no wrong, even in Germany.   (AP Photo)
Obama in Washington.
Obama in Washington.   (AP Photo)
Obama pays cash at a Hy_Vee grocery store in Webster City, Iowa.
Obama pays cash at a Hy_Vee grocery store in Webster City, Iowa.   (AP Photo)
Obama in Berlin.
Obama in Berlin.   (AP Photo)
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