People from PA, what is wrong with Ed Rendell?

[Mass]

I know he has often been saying weird things concerning Democrats (like saying that Edwards was too light 2 days before Kerry chose him as VP), but why is he saying good things about Santorum right now.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/15206994.htm

Rendell confounds as a Santorum confrere
While the Democratic Party attacks, the senator has added ammunition - compliments of the governor.
By Carrie Budoff and Amy Worden
Inquirer Staff Writers

Sen. Rick Santorum is the Democratic punching bag, a two-term conservative leader whom partisans can't knock around enough this election year.

One exception: Gov. Rendell, the off-message maverick in an unusually disciplined Democratic Party.

"Santorum delivers," Rendell told the Republican-leaning Weekly Standard magazine.

As if contradicting Democratic Senate candidate Bob Casey Jr. once weren't enough, Rendell air-kissed Santorum again in an Inquirer interview this week.

"How could I be tearing a new rear end for someone who worked effectively to get flood relief for Pennsylvania?"

To be clear, Rendell said his "overwhelming preference" was Casey, one of his "better friends in politics."
...

[globalvillage]

1. I haven't figured him out.

I was pissed at him not too long ago for something he said about Sen Kerry. I ripped him in an e-mail, which I don't think he ever replied to.

At the Dem Picnic, Rendell made a point of saying his opponent (Lynn Swann) was a good guy. Nothing wrong with that, really, since he's got a huge lead anyway, but he really doesn't seem to defend our own candidates the way you would think he should.

Really, he confuses me. He's a good Gov for PA, and I think there may be a method to his madness. Maybe he believes that if PA voters see him as 'balanced', that when he asks them to vote for Casey (which he is doing), they'll listen.

Just a thought.

[wisteria]

2. I agree with your thoughts. He is middle of the road and likes

to be viewed as balanced and fair for the state of PA. He has put his foot in his mouth several times when he would have been better keeping it shut. He called for Gore to end his quest for a recount in 2000 too.

[Mass]

3. Interesting. I listened to him this evening in an interview on TV.

It was mostly PA politics (linked to the 06 election, I imagine), so I cant say whether I agree with him or not, but I really liked the man. He seemed authentic, direct, and pleasant to listen to.

May be it is this way of being direct that puts him into trouble.

[wisteria]

4. That it is it exactly.

He love politics and he loves being among people. He is very casual and approachable.