weeping, thanks. I take the destruction of the Democratic party seriously, and that's what I see going on here. Since we've had good, spirited debates I'd ask a point of personal privilege, and if you really care about my history of criticizing the Clintons, google it. See what I said about the Marc Rich pardon; even impeachment. In 1999 I wrote a scathing take on Clinton's SOTU headlined (I think) "What might have been," imagining what he'd have done if he hadn't squandered his political capital defending himself against impeachment, after an ill-considered affair with a staffer. I've written nasty things about Hillary, too. For the record, I've said this before, I came in an Edwards supporter, and more inclined to vote for Obama than Clinton. But the vicious attacks on Clinton by Obama supporters (and some in the campaign) have provoked me to speak out, repeatedly.

I don't mean this as a cheap shot, but since you voted for Nader in 2000 (and I've only recently forgiven beloved friends who did the same) you don't seem inclined to take my passion seriously, or you see it as partisan, behind one favored Democrat. I don't think that's fair, but whatever. I admit I've been outraged by the unbelievably unfair coverage Clinton has faced and the sickening attacks of Obama supporters. It will hurt the Democrats in the fall, trust me.

That's the best thing about getting old, as so many Obama supporters like to remind me I am. You see patterns, especially awful repeated patterns. If you really support Obama, you'll work to make these vicious attacks stop.

weeping, I will give some thought to what I think you can do to curb the abusiveness of too many Obama supporters. As to why I let it effect me, I think it's two-fold: One, as lateagain figured out, I do worry that Obama is putting together a shaky Stevenson coalition, though I hope I'm wrong, and two, Jesus, I'm human, and being called every sort of name, including/especially racist, is trying. (Ugly and old is a barrel of laughs next to racist.) It makes you think there's a special sort of vicious troll out there, either working for John McCain or, sadly, for Obama, trying to drive away potential supporters. Maybe you're a better person than I am, weeping, and that wouldn't effect you. But having people trash me viciously without having read anything beyond a single post, or a sentence pointing them to my post, given what I've tried to do with my life (yes, that self-aggrandizing self-pity again)...but I dare you to gin up a comparable experience and come out untouched.

Thanks, AKA Smith, I appreciate your letter. But I don't know how to do this job otherwise. I read my letters, I learn from them, I know I wouldn't be here without all of you (even those of you who are writing to higherups at Salon trying to get me fired!), and I wouldn't know how to ignore many of you, even though I try sometimes. I care passionately, I like to argue, I believe I could win anyone over, given enough time. I admit I despair over the letters dismissing my observations as the work of a Clinton hack -- as opposed to the pained writings of someone who leaned Obama (after Edwards) and has come to have reservations about his candidacy but mainly about his coalition. I'll never make everyone like or agree with me, as hard as I try. But it seems like my job to reason with people who care enough to write me letters, so I try to do it.

And I appreciate your efforts to reason and persuade and try not to lose your temper.

Thanks, HarvardPhiBeta! Our associate managing editor and I were just discussing how I've had a lifelong block when it comes to affect v. effect, and I've proven it. I sure am glad I have a HarvardPhiBeta to show the world the inadequacies of my University of Wisconsin diploma! You go, HarvardPhiBeta! I'm going to bed, chagrined, and glad Obama has such smart supporters.

lateagain, if you care to watch it, it's here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GUjke8ZDFIg

Unfortunately, that doesn't show you the 15 minutes lead in where Chris and all four guests piled on HRC for the RFK remark. But you can see how it was set up -- I didn't bring it up! -- and what I said.

I went in and unpublished some of the most vicious ad hominem attacks. As the regulars know, I don't do red editor's choice stars, and I normally don't delete any posts, but this thread was getting over the top. I apologize to AKA Smith, davidsugarman, banyantree and domini for the personal insults.

Also: It's probably crazy to make this correction 1200 letters in, but...HealThisNation, you're right, I had confused you and lateagain, and it was you who correctly identified my Stevenson/McGovern worry about Obama and his coalition. At least I mixed up two smart, compassionate posters! I'll try not to make the same mistake again; I can't promise on "affect" and "effect."