Ok, you said you don't like Hillary. How much time have you put into considering the fact that your opinion of Hillary might be related to the fact that Barack is experiencing less racisim than Hillary is sexism and now that you are aware of these facts, what are chances you will like Hillary more and, perhaps, even vote for her considering the fact that there really are some people who apply sexist notions to their understandings of her?

I wish I was surprised, but no; first of all, I wouldn't take the large quantity as any sort of sign of real interest, or at least not the interest that you are hoping to generate. So much of those 700 comments are people making extreme claims abuot you, Obama or Hillary (or each other). I think your style has recently played a role in that, but in NO WAY do I hold you responsible for the fowl and inappropriate comments that get shot out in that context.

I have been drawn to comment lately because I miss conversations here at Salon that aren't put in such simple terms, but that leave breathing space for new ideas and reflections that don't have to follow the simplistic this/that, him/her, race/gender.

I can't watch your video, so you may very well say something I'd want to comment on there. From what you wrote, it sounds like Chris did his thing; the reason I don't watch him (I think he has a VERY likable personality, by the way)is because he gets fixated in ways that I think are very unhelpful. The criteria he uses to establish a dialog is often exactly what keeps the dialog tied down. I can't imagine how frustrating those shows must be. The few times I've seen you, I think you've done excellent and it always makes me proud to see Salon getting out there.

I think a certain fatigue set in at Salon yesterday. But I bet it wouldn't be hard to stir something up.

Joan, I don't expect you to say more than you wish on the subject, but is there any truth to my theory that a major factor in the content/tone of your last batch of blogs is that because Obama is winning (and probably has it in the bag) you want to make extra sure that Salon's converage isn't simply entranced, taking this bit of time to look at those aspects of the Hillary/Barack narrative that aren't necessarily generating a lot of discussion and that may be blindspots for Obama supporters. As I've said many times, I think those that think you are pro-hillary have it wrong (in many ways). Anyway, there you go.

Ok, I know it is not your tendency to respond to people asking specific and reasonable questions during these heated exchanges. My bet is that you will respond to those here who say really stupid or innappropriate things. But I'm going to ask again that you at least consider conversing only with those of us who (even if we disagree with you) are trying to reason through some of this stuff with you.

My question: I want to know why you place so much importantce on the extreme Obama supporters who are awful? I see 'em too!!!! Do you see a qualitative difference between them and the extreme idiots (probably same percentage of supporters, in my opinion) who support Hillary. This might not be a sexy conversation for you to be having and maybe that's why you have yet to have it, but I am very interested in what it is you know about the bottom barrell Obama supporters. Is there reason to think that he generates a higher percentage of idiot than she does? I see what you are pointing to, over and over, when you mention these creeps. But I don't think I'm being extreme when I say that i can easily point to the same level of awfulness on the Hillary supporter side.

But that's why I'm not calling you names; I'm just wanting to know where you are coming from. I don't see any reason to highlight the crappy Obama supporters over the hers or McCain's...

I really do see your point, I think. To be fair, Joan always is very clear that her criticism is for those Obama supporters who are awfully sexist or just plain mean.

But that is part of my problem. On these comment boards, there are lots of us who disagree with Walsh or who want to ask her questions and she hasn't really spoken of or to us....I wish she would use us as examples of his support. I think we are more accurate reflections than taking the worst Obama supporters. In this way, I think you have a good point. Sometimes I have to remind myself that Joan isn't talking about me or the other Obama supporters who don't agree with her.

Anyway, I keep holding out hope that Joan will cultivate dialogs based on reason and respect. Her tendency is to come back to the comment sections and say a few nice words but only really respond to real idiot statements.

Strong opinions! If a miracle took place and Obama was our next president, where would you guess he'd fall, as far as democratic presidents go?

Do see him as one of the biggest mistakes in the last 100 years? If he wins, is your hunch that it has been at least 50 years since we've seen a worse person (democrat) in the office?

I ask because you have strong and specific opinions about what kind of a guy he is.