Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “Day: October 17, 2008”

Endorsements: Precedent shock

October 17, 2008

On a day when the Chicago Tribune endorsed a Democrat for president, for the first time in its 160 years; and when the Los Angeles broke its decades-long precedent of declining to endorse anyone for president - both went for Democrat Barack Obama - the Northwest come up with a startling endorser of its own.

The Vancouver Columbian ordinarily endorses toward the right, and usually Republican on the presidential level - it went for George Bush in 2004. But not this year. From its endorsement editorial today:

"As for judgment, Obama chose a running mate who neither hurt him in the polls nor diverted the spotlight from the main man on the ticket. McCain’s choice has done both. McCain tries to masquerade this recklessness as the virtue of a maverick. Would he use that same recklessness in appointing Supreme Court justices and Cabinet members? Which candidate in recent weeks has shown a presidential demeanor? Which could best restore worldwide respect for the U.S.? Which man has tried to soothe — not stoke — rancor in the homestretch of this campaign? Clearly, that man is Obama. . . . America’s comparison between the upstart reformer and the venerable war hero inexorably returns to the qualities of leadership and judgment. Obama wins that comparison, and his message of partnerships at home and abroad seals the deal for us."

Watch this space tomorrow, for what we anticipate will be another endorsement stunner . . .

Feeding a narrative

October 17, 2008

This seems like a small, minor incident - well, it is that. But because it reflects something larger, maybe a little attention is warranted.

The location was downtown Boise, outside the Grove Hotel, where a few minutes hence a debate would begin between two congressional candidates, Republican incumbent Bill Sali and Democratic challenger Walt Minnick. A reporter from Boise's KTVB-TV was interviewing Minnick spokesman John Foster. Then, according to KTVB:

"During the interview, someone loudly yelled and was laughing during the interview at the Grove plaza. Bilbao and Foster initially ignored the intrusion, but quickly noticed the source of the heckling - Sali and members of his staff. Foster stopped the interview and noted the commotion. 'I am sorry I was a little bit distracted,' Foster said. 'I think at some point you even have to question his maturity.' Foster said he saw Sali making faces at him and holding up 'bunny ears'.”

Asked about this, Sali essentially suggested that the Minnick people needed to lighten up.

This isn't a big issue, of course. But there is this: One of the key arguments against Sali is that he isn't serious, that he doesn't take a solid, mature view to his job. Yes, Sali advocates can counter to that, but the perception at least is widespread, and Sali's people have to be aware of it. Given that, why would they feed the narrative this way, and at a time when seriousness of purpose actually does seem to be a recognizable virtue among politicians?