Submitted by lee tabin, Mar 10, 2008 09:49

Mr. Barone,

I think you are without doubt one of the best and most thoughtful political analysts. Certainly, along with Charles Krauthammer, the most intelligent. However, contrary to your implication at the end of the article, McCain has close to zero chance in the election.

If there was any doubt, the loss of the Hastert seat is strong proof that this will be an immense Democrat sweep. The only good news is that an Obama presidency will be such a disaster that Republicans will gain large amounts of seats in two years. The media is already a free campaign ad for Obama and should Hillary by some miracle get the nomination it will be at least as much a free ad for her.

The networks, msnbc, cnn, and the New York times and the papers it feeds to are by far the majority of the opinion making in this country. The WSJ has a conservative editorial page but the paper itself isn't terribly conservative while the NYTimes routinely editorializes and frankly lies if it can help the liberal cause. Their treatment of McCain, national security, and the economy when it was good are just a few examples. I believe the NYPost which has tabloid qualities is the ONLY large circulation daily that isn't a financial paper that is not liberal.

It is very dispiriting that our media rather than report the news fairly, or even ask fair questions at debates, simply advocate for one side. Russert, Matthews, Stephanapolis just for a starter, were all Democrat operatives. And even the hated Bill O'Reilly who is daily lambasted by the execrable, and moronic Keith Olbermann, is not particularly conservative economically. He talks about the "greed" of the oil companies and the "greed" of the airlines (who make little money) just like Obama might. O'Reilly is not the brightest guy around--simply the brashest.

Hillary will say ANYTHING to get elected--I think she will go racist if she thinks it will help, but her instincts are left wing. Obama while he demagogues on some issues, is absolutely and unquestionably a naive man of the left. He also has exceedingly disturbing associations. There are some who think racism will ultimately sink him. I totally disagree. I don't think the country is remotely as racist as the left believes and 90% of the racism does come from the left. I think no matter how naive and hopeless Obama's ideas are, the press will for all intents and purposes never criticize him, and in any debate with McCain he will be softballed. I am quite sure Obama won't permit a debate moderator who does not share his views.

It is frightening. Obama is entirely without qualifications. He is Jesse jackson with a white accent and a formal education. Jackson spoke in silly rhymes. He speaks in silly generalities.

Best.

Lee Tabin

Highland park, Ill

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.