As an Edwards supporter in mourning, I need to figure out who to support in my caucuses next week in Colorado. I am at a loss - I like both Hillary and Obama, and I see weaknesses is both. So, I appeal to their knowledgeable supporters here to answer a question about each of them. Really it is the same question: what is campaigning and what is the core person? How will this candidate be as a president, rather than as a campaigner? But it looks a little different in each case.
(1) Obama
Can this very charming and charismatic man take a punch? Are his unity pleas and nice words about Reagan smart campaigning to get independents to his side and put the Repubs at a disadvantage attacking him? Does he really know, deep down, the buzz saw he will be facing from the right wing, both in the campaign and as president? I would really like some examples of him facing the same sort of thing in the past - horrible unfair piling on that he turned to his own advantage.
(2) Hillary
Is she running her own show? I have liked Hillary Rodham Clinton for a long time. Her work over the decades is solidly progressive. She's smart and tough and I know she knows all about the right wing conspiracy! But I do not like her advisors so much. Will she do as Carville and Terry M. would wish and dismantle the 50 state strategy? Will she listen to Bill too much and triangulate? Here I would like examples of her blowing off the people around her and following her own, better, instincts.
I would much appreciate comments and links to help me understand these two candidates more. Thanks in advance.