to: Paul Krugmanhttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/opinion/11krugman.html
'The bitterness of the fight for the Democratic nomination is, on the face of it, bizarre. Both candidates are smart and appealing. Why, then, is there so much venom out there?'
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By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: February 11, 2008
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... Both have progressive agendas (although I believe that Hillary Clinton is more serious about achieving universal health care, and that Barack Obama has staked out positions that will undermine his own efforts). Both have broad support among the party’s grass roots and are favorably viewed by Democratic voters.
Supporters of each candidate should have no trouble rallying behind the other if he or she gets the nod.
...most of the venom I see is coming from supporters of Mr. Obama, who want their hero or nobody. I’m not the first to point out that the Obama campaign seems dangerously close to becoming a cult of personality. We’ve already had that from the Bush administration — remember Operation Flight Suit? We really don’t want to go there again.
...pundits and some news organizations treat any action or statement by the Clintons, no matter how innocuous, as proof of evil intent...
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re: your feb 11 article about Obama fans being anti-Clinton
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Some interesting points, I agree that Clinton words are inappropriately (mis)read as evil. but i must disagree with your conclusion, where you plea for Clinton and Obama supporters to pledge support for whichever one wins. the thing is, i am not a member of the democratic party, i feel no investment in the party nominee.
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i support Obama for reasons specific to his agenda. for the first time in my life, i've donated money and time to a candidate (i admit, i'm worried about feeling so connected to a politician, since they are by definition liars, but damn the torpedoes).
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i do not hate the Clintons, i do not think they're evil. but at the same time, i do not support Hillary Clinton. i respect her, but do not find her "appealing." she has plans, yes. i simply am not impressed by bureaucratic skill or traditional political speeches. i cannot say who i will vote for if it becomes Clinton-McCain.
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i understand that many Clinton supporters are devoted to the Democratic party. good for them.
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i hope you understand that many Obama supporters are not necessarily members of your party (especially since the die-hard democrats signed up for Clinton so early). Obama voters are democrats, or socialists, or republicans, or independents - who don't care for the party divisions at all.
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thanks for your time -
- kip austin hinton
inglewood ca
kipito@yahoo.com
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