The Shrinking Democrats

Wednesday, May. 14, 2008

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Joe Klein is almost correct when he states that the ABC News debate in Philadelphia "will go down in history for the relentless vulgarity of its questions" [May 5]. But the questions weren't so much vulgar as they were vapid. The only thing moderator Charles Gibson forgot to do was follow Barbara Walters' infamous example and ask Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton what kind of trees they would be.
Holmes Brannon, WOODLAND PARK, COLO., U.S.

I am a Catholic American with an Arabic name and take great offense at the comment you made about Obama's name. There isn't any such thing as an "Islamic-sounding name." The language is Arabic.
Julie Behlok, ROCHESTER, N.Y., U.S.

Joe Klein feels certain that Pennsylvania voters based their choice on "low-information signaling" and the social body language of the candidates. The bias and sheer presumption of this piece is astounding. Did Klein consider for a moment that maybe those who voted for Clinton think her just as capable as Obama of having a high-minded conversation? Most voters embrace hope and are ready for change, but the reality is that both Democratic candidates can offer these things. Obama may need to first more candidly address mundane, equally urgent issues affecting many of us. It's as if we're being invited to take the philosophy course without having any idea what the tuition will be.
Erin McLaughlin Griffin, KINGSTON, PA., U.S.

I must admit with much sadness that your column was brilliant. I have, for months now, watched Obama embroiled in what certainly looks like an attack by a yapping, rabid pug. Let 'em bite or kick at 'em — you're damned no matter what you do. The tragic thing is that all of this misery has almost nothing to do with being the leader of this country and a model for the free world.
Toni Sandler, RENO, NEV., U.S.

Finally, an article that explains not only why Obama lost Pennsylvania, but why he continues to have difficulty connecting with working-class Democrats. As an Obama supporter who was first drawn to him by his desire to transcend "gutter politics" and those who practice them, I don't want to see him join so many other politicians, including the Clintons, there. However, after reading your insights and analysis, I see that he must. When I saw Clinton sipping (not downing) that shot of Crown Royal, I likened it to Michael Dukakis in the tank and thought it would have a similar effect. Alas, I was wrong, and I hope Obama took notice. Obama, you're welcome to come bowling with me anytime, but next time, lose the tie!
Karen McCall, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, U.S.

A Race to the End
Is there not a fourth option for the end of the battle for the Democratic nomination [May 5]? If Barack Obama wins the majority of pledged delegates and the Democratic National Committee decides to hand the nomination to Hillary Clinton, he could declare himself an independent candidate. That would guarantee a loss for Clinton but could result in the building of an all-inclusive New Democratic Party.
J. Gerard Janssen, TORONTO

When my 5-year-old, an ardent Hillary supporter, saw your Obama/Clinton cover, she combined the names Barack and Hillary and got Barackary. She then noted that Barackary sounds like broccoli and offered, "We don't like it, but it is good for us."
Jason Petri, GREEN RIVER, WYO., U.S.

I think the current race is the best, most riveting election campaign I have witnessed as an adult. I'm 56. Never before have I seen a primary campaign come down to the wire like this year's Democratic contest. Back in January I was hoping for the same thing on the Republican side. Sure, hard-fought contests are bruising for all concerned, but I believe the nation will be better off next January because of the election fights that took place this year. Now if only we could shorten the campaign season.
Dave Peterson, TUCSON, ARIZ., U.S.

Poland's Anne Frank
In reading the excerpts from Rutka Laskier's diary [May 5], once more the frightening thought occurs to me that the entire populations of Poland and Germany were in agreement with, and fully supported, Hitler's "final solution." Surely there were rallies, organized protests, etc., yet we are left with the impression that the average Pole or German simply shrugged his or her shoulders and went about his or her business. Please tell me I am wrong.
Irv Jacobs, LA MESA, CALIF., U.S.

Food For Thought
As we all face global warming, the concept of climate adaptation [May 5] should become universal. Let's not fool ourselves: we won't stop global warming, not in this century. Adaptation to climate change is the key to mankind's future and survival. While continuing our efforts to curb emissions, we should focus research and money on how to move agriculture north (Canada, Scandinavia, Siberia), fight tropical diseases as they spread to our higher latitudes, avoid and tax excessive air-conditioning, plan for shorter Arctic shipping — do everything to adapt to warmer temperatures and do it now!
Nicolas Gessner, PARIS

I am astonished that Jeffrey Sachs thinks the problem of world food shortage can be solved by simply growing more food. With the world population expected to reach 9 billion by mid-century, which will stress every resource on Earth, we need to begin discussing some of the taboos around curbing population growth.
John Noble, GENEVA