I'm as wonky as they come: math, stats, econ. But I'll tell you the weakness of wonks: ignoring appearances. Take Hillary's health care plan. Not the one that blew up 14 years ago, her present plan. She claims it's 100% universal and Obama's is not. She's right. Here's why: She will force everyone in. When pressed on how, she said perhaps "going after people's wages."
Garnishing wages might be the best wonky approach. Not likely, but it's a complex question. But what's sure is that saying on national TV that you might garnish the wages of the poor to enforce "mandatory" health care is just plain dumb. Especially when you've had 14 years to think about it.
We don't need another great health-care battle, even if she could squeak by with her plan. Long-term success depends on not antagonizing half the country.
Considering he's new at this, Obama's plan scores nearly as well on the wonk meter, and it doesn't stir up the attack machines. That's big-picture smart.