Obliterate Iran

It wasn't just dead language like the word "vetted" that doomed Hillary's campaign: it was the language of death, too -- most unforgettably the "total obliteration" of Iran.

It's one thing to recognize that the idealism of social movements has to be complemented by a tough realism in contests for political power. It's another to celebrate brawling.

This was perhaps the most opaque, elaborately qualified, antiseptically cleansed and institutionally begged-off story ever published by a major newspaper anywhere.

When that weariness beckons, it's more important than ever to remind myself why it's worth fighting on, no matter what. Here's my Why We Fight, circa 2008.

If the media were not distracted by Rev. Wright's controversial remarks, this comment would cause a huge backlash against Clinton.

This week featured the through-the-looking glass moment when Bill Clinton accused Barack Obama of having "played the race card on me," then denied saying it just a few hours later -- even though he'd said it on the radio. I know Toni Morrison called Clinton the first black president, but that's taking things too far. Joining the outrageous parade, John McCain said it's "very clear" that Hamas wants Obama to be president, and that he would be open to "tearing down" New Orleans' Katrina-devastated Lower 9th Ward. Not to be left out, Hillary Clinton vowed to "totally obliterate" Iran if it attacked Israel, and repeatedly claimed to have "received more votes" than "anyone else" -- which is absolutely true... if you "totally obliterate" her pledge to disavow Michigan and Florida.

Hillary's comments on Iran might as well have been made with the backdrop that said "Jewish Votes This Way." Furthermore, intelligence on its nuclear program is inconclusive.