The story behind the story.

There is a lot going on out there. I always find it interesting to hear the "story behind the story." Of course, this is always subject to the particular news media bias. But, it is fascinating to say the least. Here are some of those stories:

Perception - Why would Hillary Clinton want to leave the Senate? She has so much power. You know, she has her health care agenda, etc.
Possible Reality - As Andrea Mitchell pointed out on Meet the Press last Sunday, Clinton really does not have that much power. She is a Junior Senator, and she was recently turned down in the Senate to chair her own healthcare subcommittee. There is really not much room for her to grow in the Senate.

Perception - Oh, isn't that nice. Senator Edward Kennedy is feeling good enough to return to work.
Possible Reality - Ted Kennedy came back to the Senate yesterday with a signal of "staking his claim." He let it be known that health care reform is his issue, and that Hillary Clinton better stay out of it. Heck, he even brought his dogs with him - maybe as a way to mark his territory (see video):



Perception - Barack Obama is considering Hillary Clinton for his Secretary of State position to emulate Abraham Lincoln's "team of rivals" approach.
Possible Reality - As pointed out by Andrea Mitchell and Mark Halperin, putting Hillary in this SOS position will get her "boxed in" and out of the Senate. As experienced by other presidents, having a former rival in Congress is not a match made in heaven. Also, Barack needs a Secretary of State who gets along with -and does not butt heads with - Joe Biden. Biden and Hillary Clinton get along very well.

Perception - Barack Obama resigned from his Senate seat particulary early, because he wants more time to put things in order.
Possible Reality - Barack Obama resigned early so that he can stay clear of voting on the bailout package being proposed for the "Big Three" automakers (GM, Ford, & Chrysler). UAW supported Obama during the presidential race. Here is an ad that the sponsored (see below):