Open Letter to Sally Quinn.

Dear Ms. Quinn:

You write:

“Is it possible that Obama's incredible popularity in such a short time is a reflection of that same feeling I had in Bahia? Could it be that Obama makes people feel proud of themselves because they can look beyond the color of his skin? Perhaps some of the many people who are supporting him sense that doing so brings out the better part of their nature.”

Does the same go for all the men and women of color and the white women who have looked beyond the male gender and white race of those they have supported in the past? Do you suppose that our supporting white men gave us a sense that doing so brought out the better part of our nature?

Just asking?

You also say:

“He still has the quality of an unknown. And as attractive and likable as Obama is, we still need references.”

Let us not forget that the current occupant of the Whitehouse had a deplorable resume and no one asked him for his references. Not even at the end of the campaign never mind 18 months beforehand. So, perhaps I missed your resume and reference request of the other candidates. If so I am looking forward to seeing their references as well.

As to American’s sense that supporting him brings out the collective better nature, why does Senator Obama need Secret Service protection this early in the campaign?

As you say:

“You can talk about age or experience or race, but in the end a president is only as good as the people around him or her. A president can't be all things to all people and can't be an expert in everything. Obama may well be the most authentic candidate in years. But what will matter more for him than for other candidates, because of his youth and inexperience, is the expertise, wisdom and decency of the administration he puts together.

Whether you see him as black, white or opaque, Obama will be the face of America. But so will be his team. It's time for him to show us who would represent him, and therefore us, to the world.”

It is indeed a shame that no one thought to ask George W. Bush these questions this early in the 2000 campaign. Unlike Senator Obama, George W. Bush’s youth, inexperience and a resume rife with failure and cronyism were not questioned.

Just saying!

Also, I look forward to your column on how looking beyond Senator Clinton’s gender will make the men who support her have a sense that doing so brings out the better part of their nature.

Regards,

Tuli