Letters to the Editor
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Wake up!
Wake up! If anyone seriously thinks that the Clinton's have really mounted a full on attack on Obama need to step back a second and recall what Republicans are willing to do. From Lee Atwater's Willy Horton commercial, to the South Carolina whisper campaigns about McCain being a Manchurian Candidate and having an illegitimate black child to the swift boating of John Kerry their track record speaks for itself. Those of you who are disappointed that Bill Clinton is rooting for his wife of 35+ years need to get real. Is he supposed to root for Obama? His fairly tale comment was clearly a comment about Obama's record on the Iraq War not a comment on the chances of a black man becoming president. Was he right? Good question. Clearly Obama came out against the war from the outset. He should get credit for that. However, he was in a liberal district as a State Representative. Hardly a courageous position for him to take. I happen to agree with him, but it showed no political courage. It was a no brainer. To cast that vote while in the Senate would have meant something. Once he made it to the Senate where were his brave votes against the war? Nowhere. The only Democrat to show any courage of note is Chris Dodd and look where that got him.
As for Clinton refusing to answer set up questions on Meet the Press, good for her. When Timmy asks her if Obama is qualified, he is just looking for a setup so he can take credit for being a real journalist. It is the classic "When did you stop beating your wife" question. Chris Matthews and TIm Russert love these either/or questions that only make you look bad. Hillary is right to say let the voter decide. It is not her job to argue for Obama. She was not dodging the question.
Finally, Democrats need to get ready for an ugly campaign no matter who wins. If it is Clinton, there will be the usual litany of complaints we have had to suffer through for the last 2 decades. If it is Obama, the whisper campaigns about him being a Muslim, being raised overseas, doing drugs, etc. will start up immediately. And just wait for the Republican to bait him about race: do you favor reparations for slavery? are quotas still necessary? should the supreme court change the criminal penalties for crack versus powder cocaine? should the death penalty be stopped cause blacks are disproportionately executed. Don't kid yourself. It is going to be a close race regardless of who wins.