Mail Call: Russia’s Power Play

Debating the New Democratic Ticket
Before I read Jon Meacham's expertly crafted feature on Barack Obama ("On His Own," Sept. 1), I used to roll my eyes at the mention of Obama's name. No longer. The man I once thought a vacillating softie has proved himself to be every bit the contender: family man and fighter, academic and all-around achiever. I am sincerely impressed. Obama, you've earned my vote.
Aaron Hunt Warner
Federal Way, Washington

Barack Obama's selection of Joe Biden as his running mate seems like a letdown after all the ridiculous hype. I just can't see many young Obama supporters checking their text messages, then jumping up and down, shouting, "Yes! He picked a 65-year-old white guy!" And doesn't Biden outshine Obama on the issues? If you compare the résumés and accomplishments of both senators, exactly where does Obama come out better than Biden?
Drew Kerin
Littleton, Colorado

As Barack Obama's running mate, Joe Biden adds a tremendous quality of "everyman" to the campaign—a quality I observed firsthand in Scranton, Pennsylvania, at a grass-roots meeting in 1976 attended by Senator Biden. Even though it was pouring rain, he talked to each of us for several minutes. When he learned we shared the same birthday, university and heritage, he made a big deal out of it and made it a memorable event for me. Now he will be doing that all over the country.
Anne Mahoney Robbins
Rockville, Maryland

I utterly reject Jacob Weisberg's flawed logic that we should vote for Barack Obama to demonstrate our political maturity to the rest of the world ("What Will the Neighbors Think?" Sept. 1). In condemning the racist remnant that remains in the country, Weisberg totally ignores the fact that significant numbers of whites in many states voted to give Obama a chance—a fact that alone illustrates our political evolution. Now it's time for us to decide what we know of the candidates' judgment, experience and overall qualifications. The silly argument that we should elect a candidate on the basis of race to prove anything to our neighbors is almost as bad as the thinking of those who might reject him on that basis.
John Siedlarz
Easton, Maryland

Jacob Weisberg makes an interesting point: George W. Bush has wreaked havoc both at home and abroad, and the GOP nominee promises more of the same. The nation is reeling. Barack Obama would be soaring in the polls if it weren't for prejudice, but in that regard he has two strikes against him. Not only are some Americans reluctant to vote for a person of color, some also seem suspicious of anyone intelligent enough to actually lead. How else to account for having to endure a second term of Bush? God spare us from a third.
Michael Steely
Medford, Oregon

I was relieved to read Jacob Weisberg's clear report on the pre-electoral situation in United States, describing what we inhabitants of the rest of the world think and wish for America. But I also felt frightened by the thought that "older white voters" could throw all of us into another Bush-like period by electing John McCain. It is hard to understand why it's so difficult for the older WASP community to get used to the possibility that there might be a wider truth than the small one they believe in. As a European, I feel much closer to Barack Obama's experience and beliefs, longing for an encompassing world where inclusion, education and cooperation can do so much to bring peace to the planet and reduce fear in people's minds. Fear and violence go together. Military superiority is transitional and always gives way to retaliation, resentment and hate. That's Bush's world, and many Americans seem to share these beliefs with him—he was re-elected! Building a safe world requires negotiation, compassion and empathy with our neighbors. Both parties must be willing to give something in exchange for a common ground. Obama represents the new America all the world is waiting for.
Francisco Rodolfo Pesserl
Curitiba, Brazil