Karl Dean genuinely surprised me this morning by casually and yet confidently (almost over my protests) revealing that he had voted for Barack Obama in the Democratic primary. As proud as I am that our little show could generate a newsmaking remark of this sort, I’m left wondering. Considering how I was falling over myself to avoid forcing Mayor Dean to answer the question and hearing him answer it anyway, should I hear this as his participation in a subtle series of nudges encouraging Sen. Clinton to abandon her bid for the presidency? Or am I reading too much into it?

(For the record, I have no editorial role at SouthComm Communications, owners and publishers of NashvillePost.com.)

Update: A Friend of Liberadio(!) asks: Is he nudging Bredesen?

Update, Part Deux: Another FoL(!) suggests that maybe Dean isn’t as political as all that, and he might’ve been answering just as Joe Voter, which would be a refreshing amount of citizen candor to have witnessed for this particular political junkie.

Update the Third: Honestly, I’m glad he told us. I figured it would be a somewhat big deal, and it’s an indicator of judgment, but I think being comfortable speaking publicly about your political ideas and ideology is important. I prefer politicians who don’t try to hide everything behind doublespeak and hedging. And, as an Obama supporter, I’m pleased.

Interview with Mayor Karl Dean - The One Where He Tells us Who He Voted For

This post was written by Freddie