The Media

Media distortion is hardly a surprise. Jonathan Alter's editorial in the Dec. 24 issue of Newsweek claims, "In a carefully prepared sound bite at last week's Des Moines Register Democratic debate, Hillary Clinton thought she had found a line to jump-start her flagging campaign: 'Some believe you get change by demanding it. Some believe you get change by hoping for it. I believe you get it by working hard for change."

Some of the ACTUAL quotes were more vigorous--less dumbed-down. Edwards said (in response to another candidate) that it would be unrealistic to promise he could do everything in one year. Hillary responded to Edwards, "Well, I'm going to be busy." And she also mentioned "hard work."

Whether you prefer Edwards' realism, Obama's idealism, or Clinton's aggressiveness, their words were more intricate, snappier "sound-bytes" than Alter's quotations.

Alter analyzes Edwards style as "confrontational," Obama's as "conciliatory." and Clinton's as based on "perspiration." He didn't mention the other candidates. The voting records don't match their stump speeches--what a surprise--and he should have given us stats (they're out there). Essentially he says that Clinton should work on children's issues. "Her best bet is to reconnect with the real Hillary, the one who spoke out passionately for children." All of them must do more than that to get the nomination.

Most of the editorial reads as though it were written before the televised debate (in fact all except the first paragraph). And the quotes are tedious--inconsistent with Alter's style. Perhaps an intern took the notes.

And, if I may say so, his attitude towards Hillary Clinton is sexist. Get her back in the mommy-dom, is what he suggests

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Pre-election

I love Edward Gorey cards--but this year have a much more amusing card. It’s an Edwards card! On the cover is a photo of the family. Inside there's a message, which if you can read you're brilliant. The handwriting is terrible. It looks like: “Fur deliberately sacrifice...and, closs all...in cless times...”

Brilliant PR! And I'm not mocking. I put the card on my mantel.

Right now--I'd far rather stay home and do embroidery than go to any caucus or primary. I feel grumpy about it. I have to decide so soon. Why can't we have one big primary on the same day? Don't they do something like this in France?

I have to do my research at the Congressional Record, though I'd rather go by the PR.

So far I support Hillary Clinton to an extent it’s because she’s a woman, but I also believe she might win. She has worked with Republicans closely in the Senate and is very pragmatic and middle-of-the-road, which many progressives complain of. I still remember her health care reform committee as a First Lady during the ‘90s. Defeated, but a good effort. Frankly, I don’t think they can do a damned thing about health care--the drug companies are too strong. Of course, I don’t know who owns America... Hillary is tough: God knows she’s had experience. All those “scandals” during the Clinton administration.

I might change my mind. I do love Edwards's PR.