Letters to the Editor
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The 4-Leaders Debate Exchange
The answers to the 4-Leaders question given by Sens. Obama and Clinton were both correct. I find it disheartening, however, that Hillary's campaign would try to score points from it frankly ... seems desperate. Quite simply, the result might have been reversed if Hillary had been the first to answer the question. Barack gave the answer I'd hope to hear ... to be overly concerned that you're going to be used for propaganda is ridiculous in my opinion and far better than limiting your meetings to those with world leaders willing to plan in advance what silly costumes you'll all be wearing. (Hey meeting planners, how 'bout Groucho Marx glasses and trenchcoats soon as long as we're going for self-deprecating yucks?) By responding second, Hillary, as any good debater would given several minutes to ponder the answer, strove to tweak the answer to her advantage and what is perceived as Barack's shortcoming. Pundits who are trumping this minor exchange into something more than it is would likely have had nothing to go on about if Hillary had been asked to respond first, and I would have been just as disappointed in Barack's campaign if they tried to make a mountain out of a molehill as Clinton's campaign is now.
I appreciate Joe Conason's even-handedness here.
(P.S. - Neither Clinton nor Obama are my first choice at this point.)