Letters to the Editor
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with you heyjude
I try really hard to put myself in other camps, just to gain perspective. When I imagine being a McCain supporter, I realize how long this election cycle is going to seem if reporters make an issue out of every single outburst of irritation or anger on McCain's part, to fulfill the narrative of "John McCain is hot-tempered." Didn't we hate that about the "Gore lies" season? Anything the media could find that tangentially, tenuously, by a thread, could be reigned in under that heading--off they went and tied it in.
In McCain's case, I happen to think there's some truth, based on evidence (see stories of his frequent need to send apology notes), of his hotheadedness. Temperamentally he is sort of the opposite of the cool-headed Obama. Nevertheless, the media should discern between daily irritation that I'm sure happens to them all and systematic impulsiveness that would have a crippling effect on diplomacy.