Democratic Primaries

The word "accepted" is ambiguous enough to suggest that the label was thrust upon him by others... and he just accepted it, or went with it (instead of denying, refuting or fighting back).

I believe that's why it sounds odd to hear you put it in those terms, because that's a label that he's used for a million years to proudly describe himself.

But you're absolutely correct in pointing out his inability to recognize that it was/is a problem and he stubbornly refused to soften his sharp edges and other appearance/perception problems that were holding him back. Was it that he failed to recognize the problems? Or was it that he didn't care? Was he putting pride and ego above strategy and being practical? Many people have various opinions on this. In fact, I have my own opinion on this... but for obvious reasons, I choose not to share it. (However, those who know me well, already know what I'm thinking and not saying.)