Joe Klein gives another dose of Sanity
He may be one of the few journalists out there that truly understands what kind of election this is becoming:
http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/08/edwards.html
The last quote in parentheses just cinches the current media environment:
"(If tearing down Obama is the only way he can win--and this should be obvious, but apparently it isn't--McCain doesn't deserve to win.)"
http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/08/edwards.html
The last quote in parentheses just cinches the current media environment:
"(If tearing down Obama is the only way he can win--and this should be obvious, but apparently it isn't--McCain doesn't deserve to win.)"
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And why was Eliot Spitzer's use of callgirls a problem while David Vitter's use of callgirls was only a problem for his madam (who supposedly hung herself)?
August 9, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Why is Edwards's adultery a problem for Obama, while McCain's adultery is not a problem for McCain?"
Funny that Joe Klein answered this in terms of the most RECENT McCain rumor about infidelity, stating that both parties denied it.
McCain himself acknowledges that he was sleeping with Cindy while still married to his injured and sick wife. Is there a statute of limitations? Does he get extra points because he married her? Like Rudy and Newt? Who's awarding these points?
August 9, 2008 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Talk about your pithy observations, excellent point! Dem. strategists should repeat your opening sentence verbatim if asked about how Edwards' actions affect Obama.
August 9, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would say that the rest of the MSM understand perfectly well what this election is becoming and they are fully contributing to it. Klein just appears to care enough about the integrity of his profession that he's willing to call attention to it.
Let's hope there's more of them out there.
And while we're hoping, how about if we all drop a little message to Mr. Klein and let him know how much we appreciate his writings of late.
August 9, 2008 5:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Isn't this column just a little rich, coming from the author of _Primary Colors_??? I know journalism ≠ novels. But that was a novel very much a clef.
August 9, 2008 6:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. I can't remember the last time Klein wrote a pro-McCain article.
August 9, 2008 7:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
And McCain 2000 was basically the hero of his Politics Lost book. I suppose McCain's fall from grace is that much more Miltonesque.
August 10, 2008 2:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
A-freakin-men.
Normally Klein leaves a bad taste in mouth (*PURITAN SENSITIVITY ALERT*), but he's spot-on here. Thanks for the heads-up.
August 10, 2008 5:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Klein's column is like the curate's egg:good in parts'.
I agree that Edwards' affair shouldn't affect Obama ( altho I think it will).
I don't agree that McCain is running a dirty campaign. Other adjectives occur: dumb, small minded, illogical.
Of course it's"dirty" compared to Sunday morning sermon or perhaps David Brooks. But "dirty political campaign" is tautological. Klein, and we, should reserve "dirty" for things that are outside of the normal limits like Willy Horton, of Swiftboating. That may happen, probably will, but right now Klein is crying "wolf".
August 10, 2008 7:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know what standards you set for dirt, but when McCain's ads state blatant lies about Obama's tax proposals, I consider it dirty.
When McCain has an ad with Obama's face (thin, young and very black) on a dollar bill in June, and then cries "Race Card" in August when Obama mentions it, I think that is dirty.
The celebrity thing is as you said, dumb, small minded, etc. But outright lies and deceit are dirty to me, why not to you?
August 10, 2008 10:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
A face doesn't imply racism. Even Obama clarified that McCain's campaign wasn't racist. You are a major league race-baiter, Cville.
August 10, 2008 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
You are a nut. Bite me. A race-baiter? Grow up! Why do you thnk McCain put Obama's image on the bill? HE is the race-baiter!
August 10, 2008 11:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Of course McCain's tactics are dishonorable but ,sadly, they seem like normal campaign misrepresentations.I suppose I save "dirty" for attacks on your opponent's character. I don't think we're there yet. I'd like to think McCain is above that. We'll see.
August 10, 2008 10:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
Flavius, I get what you are saying, but don't you agree that it is disengenuous (dishonest -- dirty) to misrepresent KNOWINGLY the policies of your opponent for the purpose of scaring your base supporters?
I think the McCain team has consistently done this, as a scare tactic. I think that is dirty.
Character? Is that the criterion? Then there is no contest as far as I am concerned, but what matters most to me is intelligence and judgment. McCain is sorely lacking on this front, and Obama wins by a mile.
August 10, 2008 11:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Progressive blogosphere has been driven to taking solace from Joe Klein? Are we in that much trouble? I guess I'm not that desperate yet. Does nobody care about EE's plea for privacy?
August 10, 2008 11:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
McCain just looks old, inept and petty. 2006 had me ginned up about a change in the American soul-- but the oil drilling debacle has me faithless again. The ease with which the American consumer can be frightened and manipulated is sobering. The comfort Americans still take in macho strut, silly threats and pomposity doesn't inspire much faith either. I can't wait until the youth return to colleges in the fall-- maybe they'll lead the charge toward a tomorrow that feels meaningful and makes sense. I haven't agreed with Joe Klein often but I agree here. Looking at McCain , I see no one who can inspire or lead or even attempt to put thoughts together without losing himself in a muddle. He's a mess. Clearly, he can't win this election without employing lies and nastiness-- there is nothing about the current John McCain that deserves the Presidency. Dangerous befuddlement alone should prevent him from gaining power.
August 10, 2008 12:53 PM | Reply | Permalink