In regard to Josh's first posting, I see his points but I do not entirely agree that the speedy resignation is an example of Obama’s “slapping this guy around like crazy.” I think to maintain his integrity and the moral high road (and I do think that it is this high road that will eventually resonate with the voters and the powers that be within the Democratic Party) there was no option but to have Power resign and to accept that resignation with dispatch and professionalism. It is unfortunate that the resignation appears to have been in reaction to demands from the Clinton campaign, but I think that it was an act of principal from both Samantha Power and Barack Obama that unfortunately coincided with demands, not a reaction to the demands.

What I cannot understand at this point is why the Obama team is not being all out by aggressively pursuing some of the news items that have been buried, for example, the obfuscations and distortions the Clinton campaign has made in regard to the NAFTA reassurances to the Canadian government. It tells me something about Obama that he is not going after these issues, pointing out the lies and deceit. And this worries me more, much more, than his actions in regard to Samantha Power (who probably--I hope--will be back with him should he win the presidency).

Posted at March 7, 2008 3:34 PM in response to Power Hour (Open Thread)

Well said ktmseattle. What is discouraging is the devolution of political discourse into this language of the politics of destruction--even given the observation that politics is a "dirty game" and that Clinton's comments are part and parcel of her being experienced and a fighter--and the implications for a future politics of inclusion that is threatened by an approach that undermines not only the position of her opponent, but her party and its principles.

Posted at March 5, 2008 4:52 PM in response to The Politics of Fear---Again