MacBook clamshell only works when lid is partially closed

I have a 2019 intel Macbook Pro. I love it. I would love to be able to use it in clamshell mode. When I have the lid almost closed (about 2 inches open at the top of the screen) the builtin screen turns off, the AppleClamshellState check in the terminal says it is in clamshell mode, and I cannot mouse from my external monitor to the builtin. BUT, when I close the lid the rest of the way, the builtin starts working again and the clamshell check says false.

I have tested this on a friend's MacBook and it stays in clamshell mode when the lid is all the way closed (no surprise there). Does anyone know why might be causing this and how to address the issue?

edit: This is after resetting SMC several times. Before that clamshell mode never worked at all.