How ironic that Barack Obama, who's been blessed with a seemingly impervious sheet of teflon throughout the primary campaign, is taking on some serious water thanks to the use of the word "cling."

Kaus has a smart take on why the specific use of that word is so problematic for Obama - especially this:

Yes, [Obama] is condescending. It's not just that in explaining everyone to everyone Obama winds up patronizing everyone. He doesn't patronize everyone equally. Specifically, he regards the views of these Pennsylvanians as epiphenomena--byproducts of economic stagnation--in a way he doesn't regard, say, his own views as epiphenomena.** Once the Pennsylvanians get some jobs back, they'll change and become as enlightened as Obama the San Franciscans to whom he was talking. That's the clear logic of his argument.

Part of the reason Obama's having trouble dismissing this as a "misspeak" is because of the construct of his remarks, the underlying condescension, and the fact that he's built a reputation for being a gifted and precise communicator.

His campaign is about the importance of words, and in this instance, his words have gotten the better of him.