Letters to the Editor
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Flame away........
I have voted in every election since Humphrey/Nixon and am somewhat puzzled by the oft stated charges that “this campaign is getting really nasty,” that it’s “gutter politics at its worst,” and that Hillary Clinton ‘will do anything to win,” will “destroy the Democrat’s chances in November,” and after stating publicly (unlike Obama) that should he be the nominee, would devote all her time and energy to see that he’s elected President, “would rather see McCain elected over Senator Obama.” When it comes to mud slinging politics, these two candidates are wielding marshmallows, not brass knuckles………….in my opinion.
As I have often stated, here and elsewhere, the mistake Hillary made was in not giving full deference to Obama’s undeniable brilliance. He is far and away the smartest, and most ruthless, tactician the Clintons have ever faced. Every politician, in putting together a game plan for victory, needs to construct a coalition of potential voters that he/ she feels are available, and whose sum are enough to put them over the top. (example: Nixon’s “Southern Strategy.) Obama’s plan consisted of:
A. Flipping the Black vote
B. Fanning the flame of the Hillary Haters
C. Focusing on Idealistic (some say “gullible”) Independents
D. Organizing (I would say “mesmerizing”) the dormant Youth voters
Regarding “A & B” I believe he has betrayed all Americans with an unconscionable, stealth, racist and misogynous, albeit brilliant, campaign. As a purported “uniter” he alone is responsible for the acrimony and vitriol stemming primarily from his followers. A uniter would have taken steps to quell the great many supporters who spew venom equally as unacceptable as that from Rev. Wright.”
As to “C”………..just good politics.
But, as to bringing in the new “youth vote,” I wonder how good a thing that is.
Note: A New York radio/newspaper sponsored forum, created for high school students to express their opinions on current events had to be cancelled. “The quality of the majority of letters was so overwhelmingly incompetent, grammar and spelling rudiments non-existent and thought processes so incoherent, that to spare the students, the school, the parents, and the community any further embarrassment, we felt we had to mercifully shut down the forum.”
“Yes We Can!”
Be careful what you wish for.