Wednesday, April 11, 2007

A Fine Letter To the Editor

Reader Joe Nicoletti sent the letter below to the editor of the NY Journal News (Westchester/Putnam/Rockland County). I liked it so much that I reprinted it here:

Having both a female and an African-American Presidential candidate is certainly significant and historical, however, the media's over the top coverage of Senators Clinton and Obama incorrectly reinforces (albeit sublimely) the belief that Democratic voters have only two candidates to choose from for their party's nomination.

At this very early stage of the campaign, I believe the media should be giving equal coverage to all the candidates, not just the ones that have a famous last name, raise the most money, or draw rock star type crowds. Constantly being told by the media, who's the frontrunner, who's raising the most money, who's first tier, who's second tier, etc..., undermines the entire election process.

I don't want anyone to think I am writing this letter on behalf of any one particular candidate, however, I will use one of the "second tier" Democratic candidates as an example to help me illustrate my point. Here's his resume.

7 term United States Congressman
United States Ambassador to the United Nations
Secretary of Energy
Governor - Re-elected with 69% of the vote (In a Republican state).
4 time Nobel Peace Prize Nominee
Internationally Respected Diplomat & Negotiator

This man has more experience, and has accomplished more in his career than both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama combined.
What percent of the voting public is even aware of this man?
How many other qualified candidates are being overlooked?
In my opinion, the media's constant attention to Senator Clinton and Senator Obama, not only does a great disservice to the other Democratic candidates, but to the country as a whole.
Joe Nicoletti
Bethel, CT.

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