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Friday, February 16, 2007 12:00 AM

Why I had to quit the John Edwards campaign

During my brief tenure as blogmaster for a Democratic presidential contender, I experienced the right-wing smear machine firsthand

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  • Friday, February 16, 2007 06:12 AM

    Preaching to the choir

    Part of the reason no one picked up on the outrage perpetrated by spreading misinformation on contraception to newlyweds, is that AM's inflammatory style overwhelmed the point. There are legions of people, like Donohue, who are doing just about everything in their power to avoid discussing the implications of their views on reproductive freedom -- and by writing in such an offhandedly offensive manner, AM gave them yet another tactic for reinforcing the wall of silence. It's tough, I'm sorry, but the best way to combat misogyny is not to give your opponents additional ammunition to use against you. Even many of AM's defenders felt constrained to acknowledge that her writings were beyond the pale, yada yada yada. This isn't the best position from which to change the topic to the very real underlying concern of her post. Sometimes I like AM's no holds barred style, but in the end, at it's best, it's a sermon that keeps the choir motivated, and it isn't compatible with an actual political campaign. That's why AM's work never made the "real news" until a politician hired her.

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