E-mail from a friend occasioned by this “worst worlds” post:

Daschle’s withdrawal is better than his being confirmed because it shatters the myth of Obama’s coolness and competence. First, he’s “absolutely” committed to Daschle. A day and a New York Times editorial later, he jettisons Daschle. This is not someone who knows how to plant his feet and fight for someone, except himself. Then he says he “screwed up.” I know he’s trying to be the anti-Bush and he’s counter-programming Bush’s unwillingness to admit mistakes, but this raises basic questions about his judgment. One day he’s totally committed to something, and the very next day he “screwed up”? It’s nonsensical. It also has to have left a bitter taste in the mouths of a lot of Senate Democrats.