Keller @ Large: Is Charlie Baker's Old Arrogance Returning?
BOSTON (CBS) - Gov. Charlie Baker is a tall guy, 6'6" tall, to be precise.
Back in 2010 when he ran for governor the first time, Baker looked down his nose at voters from up there, spoon-fed them an arrogant campaign, and lost badly.
On the next try in 2014, we were sold a new, improved Baker, who used his height and reach to take great selfies of him cuddling up to voters. That worked better.
Now we're more than a third of the way through his term, and we're wondering – is the old Baker making a comeback?
The governor has earned very high job approval ratings largely by contrast with the inept administration that preceded him.
But analysis from the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation shows Baker is still using some of the budgetary shell-game tricks from the bad old days, most notably relying heavily on capital-gains tax revenues that may or may not materialize.
Helping coax GE to move its corporate headquarters here doesn't outweigh the shakiness of our overall economic status.
And on topics from the presidential race to transgender rights, Baker seems unwilling to provide bold leadership. Some of the old arrogance is seeping back in.
Try dealing with his press office if you don't believe me.
Perhaps Baker feels his lofty poll numbers are here to stay.
Huh.
Maybe the weather up there looks fine, but down here, not so much.
Listen to Jon's commentary:
