Letters to the Editor
Drewonimo
Published Letters: 84 Editor's Choice: 4
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Great Idea
[Read the article: McCain wants joint town halls, Obama receptive to idea]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Of course, the devil's in the details...
But having said that, here's why I think it's a great idea:
• If Barack Obama's going to run on changing the way politics is done, THIS is a great way to demonstrate that. When the regular network debates kick in come September, the media will either be shamed into behaving honorably for a change OR the public will have seen enough of the candidates as they really are without the gotcha, the drama and the spin (well, we'll probably still get all of that but we'll get lots of unfiltered stuff too that will put that in perspective). For once, let them be defined by their stand on the issues, their ideas for addressing them and their ability to persuade others to help make it happen. Obama's got a slow and steady approach in these areas that is far superior to McCain's.
• The biggest negative that Obama's got going into the general is that he's not only unknown to half the country -- but is seen as "foreign" to too many that have had a couple of decades of fear-mongering thrown at them. These forums will give lots of people an opportunity to see him be himself, relating to ordinary Americans and standing on the same stage and more than holding his own with a war hero. What would really help is more humor. That's McCain's secret weapon and Obama's going to need to lighten up. He's usually very capable of this.
• Regardless of what's good for either campaign, it's good for US, the public and our public discourse. For too long we've let our great national debates and political contests be framed by bogus issues, manufactured drama and the like. If we are truly going to change our country and fix some of the monumental problems we face, Barack Obama's not going to do it; WE all are going to have to pitch in. That will require a helluva lot more Americans getting up to speed on the issues. This can help immeasurably in that way and will give the winner way more of a mandate for their program after the election.
The downside? Yes, it gives McCain, something of the underdog, equal footing as Obama. But so what? If we really believe we have the superior candidate and the right position on the issues, equal is good. Let people compare, become familiar with both and let the message of why we need change sink in.
What will make this work -- or any strategy in the general election -- is for Obama to continue to refine and define his themes. The general theme of change is excellent; but it needs, at max, 3 specific points of "here's what I'll do" that he repeats until he's blue in the face. Bill Clinton did this masterfully with "it's the economy stupid", "don't forget health care" and a "bridge to the 21st century". These might seem dated and trite now but by giving them several specific examples over and over again, he gave people a very comfortable set of expectations regarding the things that mattered to them most.
McCain's only hope is that people may like him and be more comfortable with him. I'm not -- but then I hardly represent the half of the country that voted for Bush twice.
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Right on backacrosstheriver
[Read the article: McCain wants joint town halls, Obama receptive to idea]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I completely agree that sitting on a lead (however marginal it is too!) is a bad, bad idea. It didn't do Hillary any good, now did it? (And I supported her.)
Don't let the GOP or the media define you, and don't simply be in the position of reacting to events, non-scandals and attacks. For a huge swath of the country, Obama is still very very new, very young and his ideas are very general. This gives him a chance to defuse other's fears, prejudices and assumptions. AND all of those assumptions about McCain, that he's way more experienced, superior in his command of national security and foreign policy, a maverick, and a straight-talking guy.... these will ALSO get plenty of scrutiny.
I think the best format would be to have the debates be either regional or topic-oriented or both.
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@welcomerain
[Read the article: Clinton makes it official, schedules event for Saturday]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]So everybody who supported Hillary Clinton is an idiot?
Gee, what exactly are you trying to accomplish in your post besides venting or working out your anger issues? Should everyone who supported her just go hide under a rock or do you think they might be useful in getting Obama elected?
It's frustrating that a few people feel that being superior to those that disagree with them is more important than winning elections and changing the direction of the country. Hillary has not harmed the Democratic party. Can you explain how your attitude and approach is not itself divisive and harmful?
I voted for her in my caucus but it was tough making up my mind because I like them both. Now I will very very proudly support Obama with my vote, my contribution and my volunteer time. But I will do so having to overlook those of his supporters who ignore his central message of uniting the country and getting past divisive, destructive debates and personal attacks.
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@welcomerain
[Read the article: Clinton makes it official, schedules event for Saturday]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]What a lovely personality you have.
Just wow. I think it speaks for itself.