You know, lateagain, you're awesome, even when I disagree with you. And I don't want to put words in Uncle Fester's mouth, either. My point is: Sure, you can forget about the "dignity" of Clinton's supporters -- at Obama's risk. The point is their dignity more than hers, but of course they're bound.

I say this as someone who came into this campaign ranking the candidates Edwards, Obama, Dodd and then Clinton (I liked Biden too but I didn't trust his motormouth), but who has really grown pissed off (haven't you noticed?) at Clinton's treatment. Sure, heckle me all you want. Call me a Clinton shill all you want. But it's actually the other way around: The heckling and the bad faith arguments here have helped me have more respect for Clinton and her supporters. And I know there are a lot of people -- yes, most of them women -- who feel the way I do. Any Democrat should care about those voters. I believe Obama does. I believe you do, too, lateagain.

Wow, Uncle Fester, that crack is beneath you. Do you think dignity is unimportant? Why are Clinton's supporters beneath respect for so many people here? I've criticized her AUMF vote over and over. I think she'd be winning if she hadn't cast it. Either way, she'd be a better candidate -- and a better person! I absolutely understand opposing her, and supporting Obama. But why are so many otherwise decent people here so unwilling to understand what her candidacy means to many women? Thank God Obama seems to realize it.

The last couple of days, with all the Appalachia hate, have been pretty dispiriting here, I have to say. Again, too many sore winners. Compassion, people. It never backfires.

Thanks, quickstrategy, remember the ratio of lurkers to posters, and know that your smart, passionate arguments will have an impact, even if they don't change the minds of some posters here. I really appreciate your efforts. I think the fact that so many of the Appalachia-defenders here are also Obama supporters, and yet they're still being shouted at by alleged Obama supporters, is really...odd.

Eric Berry, are you reading what I'm writing? Seriously. First you claim the ignoramus comment wasn't there. Now you admit it's there, but claim I claimed it was representative, when in fact, I said the Appalachia letters thread was a "great debate" where "most people are grappling with real issues."

XH, you're wearing me out. Go read my letters at the end of my signature. Even Eric Berry understands why I'm concerned about this. I've explained it a million times. Contempt for the white working class has been toxic to Democratic majorities as long as I've been conscious. You guys are free to disagree with me, but stop pretending I haven't answered your questions. I take it as affection -- you and Carol and doloresflower like me, and you want me totally on your side. Thank you! And I feel affection for you -- and therefore I am really exasperated why my answers aren't enough! So we're even!

Um, Eric, it was a direct quote from the original Appalachia thread. Please try again.

doloresflower, I understand your frustration, but he'll be expected to win quite a lot of demographics to beat John McCain. He might be able to do it without Appalachia, to be honest. But he won't be able to do it without people who think we ought to fight for Appalachia, and who are appalled by the bigotry and yes, elitism, of too many of his admirers.

Thanks Eric Berry, you make my point for me without intending to. Of course I won't dignify such a suggestion with a denial. Please. But I'm really glad even you recognize how toxic such views are to Obama and all Democrats.

Carol Richards, you know how much I respect you, but I honestly have no idea what you're trying to say. I admit I don't keep up on the comments elsewhere; I have a real job, being editor here; I added a blog; I also participate in the letters thread of my blog more than any one in my position I'm aware of...so what is it you're asking of me? If you don't think the Obama supporters' comments in all of our threads about Appalachia -- oh, and John Edwards -- merit mention, well, we just disagree. It really sickens me. But I've got a chip on my shoulder about class, I suppose.

And Patricia, yeah, blast that trailer park crowd. That's the way to build a coalition. Sheesh.

Thank you, FaulknerJr, that was a great letter.

Well, brewmn, I have to be happy you're not tossing around the C-word anymore. That's a step up. Who knows where you might get to if you keep up that steep ascent!?

blondeone, you're a font of wisdom, as always. Just FYI: I was Sidney's boss, as VP of news in 2004, and Sid brought in the Turow piece, but I edited it. I'm very proud of it. Not sure David knew about it until he saw it. He was busy back then. But I appreciate your passionate interest in the inner workings of Salon. Happy to answer questions so people don't embarrass themselves about things they might wonder about but couldn't be expected to know. I'm here for you, blondeone.

I wasn't bragging on this one. I thought it was fascinating. And as I've written here, I loved "Dreams." "Audacity," not so much, but worse books get bigger contracts, and all hail Obama for making money for writing about race relations and politics. It's awesome. The NYT piece actually had a strange undercurrent of "how dare he be so ambitious about his writing?" I don't feel that, at all.