Obama, New York Governor Meet Amidst Political Tension

Sept. 21, 2009— -- It seemed awkward in Albany, as President Obama was greeted on the tarmac by New York Gov. David Paterson, whom the White House has been trying to convince to drop out of the governor's race next year given his abysmal poll numbers.

The two attempted an uncomfortable hug of some sort, though later at a rope line in Troy, the president's smile vanished when he once again was forced to greet Paterson.

At the event in Troy, Obama praised Paterson's heart -- calling him a "wonderful man" -- but he beamed at Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and effusively praised the work of the man whom many Democrats would like to see pursue the governor's mansion next year instead of Paterson.

Obama's acknowledgement of Paterson was far from a ringing endorsement.

"First of all, wonderful man, the governor of the great state of New York, David Paterson is in the house," the president said, keeping his head down and his eyes on his notes, at Hudson Valley Community College.

Obama has grave concerns that Paterson cannot win in 2010, and the White House has taken the unusual step of conveying those concerns to the governor himself, several knowledgeable Democrats told ABC News.

Obama has not personally spoken with the governor about the race, "but it's no secret that Democrats in New York are very concerned about the situation and those concerns have been conveyed in an appropriate way," a source said.

The conveying of those concerns was first reported Saturday night by the New York Times.

"No one has ordered him out of the race," the source said. "Nor does anyone have the authority to. He has to look at his situation and make the decision that he thinks is right for himself, the party and the state."