This letter is associated with the following article:
Letters
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 12:00 AM

Criticisms, political pressure and Barack Obama

The president-elect's advisors respond to the firestorm created by Sunday's remarks on Guantanamo, illustrating the value of criticizing Obama when he deserves it.

Read other letters about this article

  • Tuesday, January 13, 2009 10:04 AM

    @ shooter mcgavin

    "Well, to because I don't have any proof that he's heading towards a pole. Also, because I don't have a bottomless well of outrage to apply to every word, phrase or funny look that may result in trouble later on.

    . . . But I am willing to give Obama the ebenfit of the doubt. Others may not, but that's where I fall. "

    I'm one of those who's not inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt thanks, in large part, to his FISA turnabout.

    We can debate his intent and parse language word by word, but the fact is he represented himself quite clearly as against telecom immunity, and then, when push came to shove, he wasn't against telecom immunity. So that suggests to me, based on experience of his words/actions, that he does not always follow through on what he appears to promise. Thus, a phrase like wanting to close Gitmo "ASAP" is a red flag for me. It allows this very bright man to default to the linguistic gamesmanship he's relied on before.

    And no -- I don't have a bottomless well of outrage; I find outrage debilitating and futile. Please don't continue to dismiss all those who aren't inclined to "give him the benefit of the doubt" on that basis.

Most Active Letters Threads

426

A key British official reminds us of the forgotten anthrax attack

A vast array of establishment and expert sources do not believe this episode was really resolved.
412

The crazy, irrational beliefs of Muslims

Tom Friedman explains the real problem: stupid Muslims think the U.S. is about war and aggression.
210

Is Obama's civil liberties record understandable?

Was it unreasonable to expect him to adhere to his commitments regarding the Constitution?
111

How dare you criticize wasteful defense spending!

So you think it's only terrorist-appeasing lefties who are down on Pentagon profligacy? Think again
60

Police to talk to Woods

Early morning crash raises questions, and revives tabloid speculation

View all »

Letters Help

Currently in Salon