Christopher Hitchens' Obama Endorsement

Slate:

I used to nod wisely when people said: "Let's discuss issues rather than personalities." It seemed so obvious that in politics an issue was an issue and a personality was a personality, and that the more one could separate the two, the more serious one was. After all, in a debate on serious issues, any mention of the opponent's personality would be ad hominem at best and at worst would stoop as low as ad feminam.

At my old English boarding school, we had a sporting saying that one should "tackle the ball and not the man." I carried on echoing this sort of unexamined nonsense for quite some time--in fact, until the New Hampshire primary of 1992, when it hit me very forcibly that the "personality" of one of the candidates was itself an "issue." In later years, I had little cause to revise my view that Bill Clinton's abysmal character was such as to be a "game changer" in itself, at least as important as his claim to be a "new Democrat." To summarize what little I learned from all this: A candidate may well change his or her position on, say, universal health care or Bosnia. But he or she cannot change the fact--if it happens to be a fact--that he or she is a pathological liar, or a dimwit, or a proud ignoramus. And even in the short run, this must and will tell.

Read the whole story: Slate

Comments

[MrBeale]

There needs to be some kind of distinction between "Obama Endorsement" and "Not McCain Endorsement".

[johnwinner]

not this election. the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

[pzdoff]

Speaking of Mr. Hitchens..­......will his demise be from lung cancer or scirrhosis of the liver......my money is on the former.

[LisaMarieC]

That looks like a "pre-improvement" photo.

[rektruax]

I don't know, but I assure you his (my, your, everyone you know, everyone you see, etc...) demise will eventually be from something.

[iralarry]

I am new to Chris H., he is quite the intellectual and a persuasive debater. I'm in tune with his atheist pronouncements and impressed with his manner of address. I can not understand given his intellectual largess how it took so long to see the corruption emanating from John McCain and the ineptitude of running mate, Sarah Pain.

What ever Hitchens’ leanings have been regarding McCain or Obama, he sets the case for himself in stating how OK it is that, “A candidate may well change his or her position on, say, universal health care or Bosnia...” Given the tenure of both the rebukes and support for Mr. Hitchens, I am wondering how others might fill in the, “if it happens to be a fact—that he or she is a..." about Chris, who unfortunately is looking really bad these days.

Mr. Hitchens states, “I used to call myself a single-issue voter on the essential question of defending civilization against its terrorist enemies …” No wonder it took so long. Even now, the majority of Americans find John McCain more capable in defending us from terrorism. Yet, he has come over in spite of believing McC is the better man for this aspect of the job.

Again, I do not get how Mr. Hitchens can decide a vote on one issue. Don’t some Republicans decide their votes on single issues lke abortion or flag burning or stem cells? Geez Louise Mr. Hitchens, glad you joined the party!

[iluvsam]

I agree with everything Mr. Hitchens says about religion, but I highly disagree with him on his views on Iraq. He is spot on with his analysis of both McCain and Palin, and he has the ability to say it like no other...except maybe Sam Harris.

[seenitall]

I love Sam, too. What an incredible mind.

[Mustang Sally]

oooh, is it good that he is on our side?

[TheLar]

Who cares about Hitchens?

Author Larry Nocella endorsed Obama a long time ago.

http://www.LarryNocella.com/

[misredemption]

remember obama's words are the same words of fidel castro time for a change

[Cardinale18]

Go Chris!

[yannb]

Hitchens has been a wind vane all of his life. Erstwhile a troskyist, once a liberal, some time a staunch Bush supporter. Now he's endorsing Obama. Hitchens' aversion for religion is only equalled by his egomaniac need to always bet on the winning horse. After the race is over, naturally.

[DaOne]

Great post because it's true, Hitchens is irrelevant­..........

[WorkingClass]

Hitchens is a great writer. Its a pity he has nothing to say.

[Wordtodawise]

Hitchens is right for once.

Christopher Hitchens is to be applauded for predicting an Obama victory in November. Hitchens is not a natural Obama supporter but can't help expressing his frustration against McCain's poor performance.

Many right-wingers secretly feel the way Hitchens does but are just content to tow the line. Hitchens to his credit is honest enough to admit the unpleasant truth. Perhaps his action will serve as inspiration to other republicans to save their souls.

John McCain is a terrible presidential candidate. McCain's selection as the Republican Party nominee is an indictment of the party and a reflection of the party's lack of wisdom and inability to cultivate quality leadership.

John McCain is a tumbling weed. He is here, there and everywhere depending on how the wind blows. He is too unstable, unpredictable and risky to be trusted as president.

Ronald Reagan advanced trickle down economics a.k.a. Voodoo economics by a Bush. That destructive economic policy brought doom to middle class America and has run its course.

Enter George W Bush whose reckless policies have severely shaken the foundation of America to the point of economic, political and social bankruptcy.

Here comes John McCain, fashioned in the same mold as George W Bush maybe worse, seeking to be president of the United States. How dumb can a nation be to elect John McCain as president? What horrow? Time will tell.

Wordtodawise

[daddydamon]

It's so nice to see people standing up for the USA and not for factionalism. Obviously McCain and Palin are not good for the country. Those who back them are those who cannot face the fact that they are wrong. These are the same people who still back a war that has been pointless for years, who back a surge that has done nothing, who back Karzai and Musharraf, in short, people who cannot think for themselves. The next 3 weeks will show who the real Americans are. And the most unspoken theme in all of this is this (and it's true - you know it is): if you don't plan on voting for Obama, it's because you are a racist. Simple. Face it. Be honest with yourself and everyone else. No one cares that you're a racist. Admit it.

[pir anha]

yes, personality is most definitely an issue.

which is why only us people who actually enjoy occasional cantankerous insight still listen to mr hitchens. and that's sort of a shame. (no, not that we still listen.)

[SayonaraSnot]

I see Obama has secured the pompous jerkwad vote.

[zoozey]

I am glad that Hitchens admitted Palin's complete lack of creds. However, I am still amazed at how a curmudgeonly intellect like himself would continue to have made excuses for George W. Bush.... At any rate, it seems clear that he is holding his nose and voting for Obama. I always enjoy reading him, esp. in Vanity Fair-- though he is SO contrary and cantankerous, that I, too, end up holding my nose when I read him sometimes.

[mredder4]

Agreed. This was less an endorsement of Obama and more of a critique against Bill Clinton, George Bush, and John McCain.

[CharlieMarlowe]

Was Christopher ever pro-Bush, or was he just anti-Saddam Hussein and his policies?

[stella801]

In addition to what I already posted....HuffPo OMG! Couldn't you find a better picture of him? Not very flattering! There is one in Vanity Fair of him being water boarded that is better. Get a better pic!! Geez!

[stella801]

Loved your article. I wish I could say it like you do.

Awesome on all points. I was surprised you said what you did. After your waterboarding experience, have you changed your pro-war stance?

That said, I am glad to hear your limited endorsement of Obama. I don't think it will sway anyone in the Rep base, but it certainly thrills all of us libs! Your preaching to the masses will only reach the liberal choir and hopefully a number of independents. Also, some republicans! Thank you for your honesty and candor!