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Weighing the Options
Re Joe Klein's "Inspiration Vs. Substance" [Feb. 18]: I am a 55-year-old independent voter, and while my mind says Hillary Clinton, my heart says Barack Obama. I have had concerns about his experience, but as he bests Clinton in state after state, it is becoming clear to me that this man has the judgment to surround himself with people of experience who know how to face challenges creatively. I suspect that if Obama becomes President, he will have the political courage to call on seasoned, experienced advisers from both parties to tackle the horrific challenges America faces. Perhaps we voters need to show some courage ourselves.
Maureen Aull,
Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.

The Problem with Clinton is that she can't win in November, in which case all her bullet-point plans will be of no avail. While no one doubts her intellectual gifts, there is a contrived quality about her that is no match for Obama's aura of authenticity, which is the mark of an effective leader and key to winning the general election.
Scott Willett,
New York City

Thank you, Joe Klein, for reminding us that substance is important! I have waited too long for an acknowledgment that Obama's campaign lacks focus on the issues. Inspiration is not enough. Words are only as strong as the actions that back them up. America deserves a leader who does more than talk the talk. We deserve a leader who walks the walk. Hillary Clinton is ready — in vision and action.
Sara Masucci,
Belmont, Mass., U.S.

Klein seems to confuse knowledge with wisdom. Glibly reeling off a bunch of wonky statistics and programs — as Hillary Clinton is wont to do — may make for good sound bites and debate repartee, but it signifies neither a mastery of substance nor good judgment. Clinton's judgment has proved wanting in her disastrous vote to authorize war in Iraq, her failure to pass health-care reform when she and Bill had the chance and many other important issues. I'm old enough to remember a similar style-vs.-substance debate about President John F. Kennedy. His enduring positive influence proves that he combined style with substance — as does a certain Senator from Illinois, who will be the next President of the U.S.
Staton Rabin,
Irvington, N.Y., U.S.

Visions of a Dream Team
Many people have proposed their idea of the ideal Democratic ticket [Feb. 18]. Here's mine: Obama for Prez, with John Edwards for Veep and Clinton for Secretary of State. The arrangement would be the best of all possible combinations. Obama would bring the inspiration of Kennedy's Camelot, Edwards as Vice President would preclude Bill's getting in the way, and Hillary would get a policy-heavy job she can sink her teeth into. The ticket would be so damn compelling, the Republicans would probably concede in October.
Ronald D. Green,
San Jose, Calif., U.S.

A Front Runner's Fight
Michael Grunwald concluded there is little evidence that John McCain's surge represents a Republican repudiation of George W. Bush or any element of conservatism [Feb. 18]. He couldn't be more wrong. Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity and James Dobson have spent the past decade telling us whom to vote for. The result has been the most base and incompetent Administration in the history of this country. And now these same gasbags are trying to tell us we're making a mistake in voting for McCain. Well, this is one Republican who has voted for him not only because I think he would make a fine President but also to send a message to Limbaugh and his ilk: Your credibility is zero.
Jon Anderson,
New York City