It's as if inside the White House the belief in Obama's inspirational charisma is still such that every time the ugliness of brute politics intrudes, it's a startling revelation.

In this quote, Tina Brown reflects on the contrast between Barack Obama’s inspirational charisma and the often harsh realities of politics. She suggests that within the White House, there is still a belief in Obama’s ability to inspire and lead through his personal qualities, making it surprising or even jarring when the ugliness of political maneuvering and power struggles intrude into the process. The quote implies that Obama's appeal as a charismatic and transformative leader is so strong that any deviation from his idealistic vision feels like a shock.

Brown’s use of the term “ugliness of brute politics” emphasizes the negative aspects of political life, such as dishonesty, backroom deals, and the cutthroat nature of power dynamics. These are aspects that often stand in stark contrast to Obama’s image as a figure of hope and change. Brown’s statement suggests that the White House, and perhaps Obama’s inner circle, were perhaps too optimistic about the potential for high-minded politics, only to be frequently confronted by the messier, more cynical aspects of governing.

The phrase "a startling revelation" underscores how unexpected these moments of political harshness are in the context of Obama’s leadership. It suggests that Obama’s charisma and ability to inspire were seen as qualities that could transcend the usual roughness of politics, but were often challenged by the reality of the political landscape.

Ultimately, Brown’s quote captures the tension between Obama’s idealistic persona and the tough realities of governing. It highlights how his inspirational charisma was sometimes at odds with the brutal nature of politics, creating a constant conflict between the lofty ideals of his leadership and the grounded, often harsh, political realities he faced.