A Campaign Comeback

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Hillary and Bill Clinton might be "Ready to Rumble" the Democratic Party right into a loss in November [March 17]. Her plan is to convince the Democratic leadership that Barack Obama is unelectable. But if she fails to get the nomination, she might end up persuading swing voters to support John McCain in the general election, possibly dooming us to another four years of war in Iraq. Maybe then she could become part of the Republican strategy team.
Paula Rantz, PALO ALTO, CALIF, U.S.

Karen Tumulty and David von Drehle talk about how Hillary Clinton is obsessed with winning and has been mounting relentless attacks against Obama. That's the case with any candidate trying to catch up. Didn't Obama attack Clinton with the same intensity when she was considered the front runner? Winning is also Obama's goal. Neither candidate is more innocent than the other — it's just how the game is played. So no need to scream bloody murder when Clinton is on the offensive.
Brenda Huang, SAN JOSE, CALIF., U.S.

Even though Clinton knows it's mathematically impossible for her to gain the elected-delegate lead, she will not quit. She wants to keep throwing dirt at Obama. Why? So she can weaken him going into the general election against McCain and position herself for another run for President in 2012. The Clintons don't care about Democrats' winning a Senate or House majority this year. They don't care about gaining independents, new young voters or disaffected Republicans. They don't care about the health of the Democratic Party. All they care about is winning — if not now, eventually. It is time for the Clintons to go, take their baggage and park it at the Clinton Library, where all their sordid secrets can remain hidden from our view.
Ken Kosier, VERONA, WIS., U.S.

Picture Perfect?
Callie Shell's photograph of Obama captured a frightening reality of his campaign [March 17]. Obama sits confidently consumed in his work, his feet resting atop the table. One imagines he's pondering new considerations for health care, reading aides' suggestions for education reform or reflecting on the commonalities of the American voter. But a closer look shows a copy of his best seller, The Audacity of Hope, at his heels. Why the need to have a book he wrote so close by? Is Obama really briefing himself with his own words? He had better broaden his horizons and begin researching beyond his own 2002 hope catchphrase, or he will choke on his ego before the Democratic Party has a chance to perform the Heimlich maneuver.
Danielle Charette, DURHAM, CONN., U.S.

What's with the tattered soles on Obama's shoes? Are they some handler's attempt to portray a man of the people? They look pathetically intentional.
Francine Gersh, MINNEAPOLIS

Farewell to Arms
I read your article about Brett Favre's retirement from football, then reread it — and read it one more time [March 17]. Green Bay Packers backers here in Wisconsin have had a very sad week. We are all happy for Favre and wish him well, but we wonder what in the world we will do without him. Your article reminded me that I am not alone. Thank you!
Mary Towne, DELAFIELD, WIS., U.S.

Locked Up in the Land of the Free
Your dashboard graphic showing the breakdown of inmates by race reminded me about why our prison system has deservedly earned us the contempt of the world [March 17]. We incarcerate a larger percentage of the population than any other nation, and the government puts away harmless souls under the guise of fighting its two "wars" on terrorism and drugs. It's a tragic irony that freedom is now a mere buzzword in a land once regarded by many as a beacon to the world.
Gordon Wilson, LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIF., U.S.