Letters to the Editor
Tema Dunne
Published Letters: 30 Editor's Choice: 2
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Let the Deals Begin!
[Read the article: All together now]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]This article was a good descriptive piece, but as a political analysis, I think Mr. Shapiro may have missed the mark by failing to emphasize the role that money played in this unity display. I am not speaking here of the $2300 check exchange which, of course, was purely symbolic and ceremonial. The real issue (as anyone on her email list knows) is Clinton's large campaign debt which she would like to dispose of with the help of Obama's generous supporters. But these supporters are now being wooed by multiple suitors: Obama's own campaign, the DNC, and Clinton. Obama donors are the big cash machine and everyone wants the pin. But, let's face it, they weren't exactly impressed with Clinton's performance in the primary battle and they weren't very happy with her ungracious behavior at the moment Obama won and deserved to have that moment acknowledged. Thus, Clinton doesn't need to convince Obama to help her with her debt so much as she needs to mend the fence with Obama's supporters and show convincing evidence that she can finally get over herself and expend some of her boundless energy campaigning for Obama. If she had removed herself from the primary a little sooner, this would have been a much easier sell. I think his supporters will go with it---they are pragmatical idealists, but it would be a hard sell indeed if Hillary were anything less than simply splendid. So she's having a "let's make a deal" moment and, yes, she's a good deal maker. This is not in any way to suggest that Clinton would not work hard to defeat the Republicans---she would, even if she didn't have this debt. But right now she'd like to dispense with this one little agenda item before she can throw her considerable energy behind Obama. Obama, of course, wants her support and he's a good deal maker too.
So, let the deals begin!
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Good Choice
[Read the article: Obama veepstakes: The other woman]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I would love to see him pick Sebelius. I was originally thinking he needed some older guy with military experience to give him credentials if and when the Republicans pull something in the international arena to frighten Americans into voting for McCain. Wesley Clark might have been a good choice in that respect, but he seems to have poor public speaking instincts and even if that were not the case, I think Sebelius has a more comforting down to earth demeanor that just feels right---after taking a hard look at some of the other possibilities. I guess I've come around to hearing George McGovern's words of advice: Pick someone you're comfortable with. Obama looks so comfortable with Sebelius and she with him. They've both got that midwestern vibe. I think they share a lot of the same political attitudes---moderation and non-partisanship. She isn't the most dynamic speaker in the world, but she inspires trust. She's a moderate, but she's pulled off some pretty daring maverick political maneuvers in Kansas. Furthermore, I don't think Hillary Clinton's supporters would be put off at all by Obama choosing Sebelius as his running mate. Also, I have heard that Sebelius has done some good work to manage healthcare costs and accessibility in her home state---that is a major issue for the next administration. They both think outside the party norms and that's good because they can support each other once in office---it surely won't be easy to overcome the Democratic Party's ingrained state of inertia.
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Barefoot in the Park
[Read the article: Wielding the conservative veto pen]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Everyone seems focused on the Veep choice for Obama----so many shoes in his wardrobe to choose from. But when McCain goes to his little pinched closet, there just aint that many shoes! Saddle shoes with orange laces----Huckabee. Nope. Brown wingtips. Flip-flops. No. Really, it comes down to----well, not much. My guess, either Romney or Gulianni. Neither of them would be that comfortable of a mate for McCain---they are both alpha egotistical males who would ruffle his feathers plenty with there over-visionary style and make McCain appear even less charismatic than he does already. Given those handicaps, my recommendation is Gulianni. McCain doesn't inspire the love of true fiscal conservative Republicans----they like Gulianni. Gulianni would buck up McCain's support with that backbone of Republicanism. Or maybe no shoes----is that a choice?