Letters to the Editor
Think18
Published Letters: 2
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We're becoming grown ups. How about you?
[Read the article: Will Obama's debate stumble hurt him?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]This analysis is truly pathetic. I agree with other comments that the better journalistic work (sans Joe Conason and Glenn Greenwald] is being done elsewhere (e.g., Huffington.com, Thom Hartmann on AAR).
First, hiding behind the opinions of others does not provide you with cover: [Like most people, I think Barack Obama stumbled.] No. In fact, most people think ABC stumbled, and stumbled badly. Please don't hide behind the opinions of others {David Brooks? I can’t think of many others}. If you have a perspective, at least defend it. Don't assume it away or assume your readers agree. I for one do not agree, btw. I thought the debate was ridiculous and pointless, and even calling it a debate is dubious.
Second, I think you seriously underestimate Obama's post-debate gambit. Many, many, people, are sick and tired of politics as usual. A 'gotcha' question here or there may be okay, but using half the debate to try to nail him? Come on. Of course he's frustrated, and so am I, damn it! People are losing their homes. Jobs are leaving our shores. Our energy policy is destroying our economy and our standing in the world is seriously impaired. And on it goes. And you think we, the informed populous, want to hear over 10 questions about Reverend Wright, and flag lapel pins, and affiliations with some one-time terrorist (which, by the way, was spoon-fed to Stephanopoulos by none other than Sean Hannity)? Get your head out of the Frisco-fog and take a look at what going on around you. We, as a people, are growing up. We are looking to invest our energy in things that matter. I suggest you join us in that process.
Third, you criticize Obama for showing his feelings (his statement that “he's frustrated” irritates you). And then, at the same time, you criticize Clinton for not being human about her sniper story. Maybe, if you think about what you wrote , you'll realize why Obama is the better candidate, why he’s ahead, and why he will win the White House. They're both smart, They're both closely-aligned on most issue. The difference: he’s comfortable in his own skin and she’s not. It’s that simple.
Finally, just as Hillary's attempt to nail Obama as an elitist back-fired, any attempt to call Hillary the "winner" of the debate, will fall on deaf ears, and ultimately fail.
I am truly disappointed with this analysis and it, along with others I've read by you, makes me think much less of Salon in the process.
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Your candor is appreciated
[Read the article: I was wrong about Wright]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Great post. I appreciate your insights and candor. The temperature is indeed rising all around those who are involved in or interested in this campaign; I'm sure it's getting more and more difficult to maintain the appearance, however warranted, of neutrality or intellectually honesty. I must confess to falling occasional hysterics with some of your posts (‘she’s pro-clinton’!), but this post and others have made me see a different side of you. I always appreciate it when smart people, such as yourself, can admit to a mistake. Considering how much our cultural icons and leaders (Mr. Bush, and yes, Ms. Clinton) cannot admit to any errors whatsoever, this type candor is all the more important.
As an aside, having watched the Moyer's interview, and finding myself cringing only a couple of times but mostly seeing him as a smart and possibly misunderstood spiritual leader, these latest comments by Rev. Wright leave me with a feeling of whip-lash. With that, I'm sure Mr. Obama's neck must be pretty sore right now too.