Daily Texan Presidential Endorsement: Clinton

Daily Texan is out of touch (2.33 / 3)

My 2 cents...

The Daily Texan editorial staff has every right to endorse Hillary Clinton.  And we have every right to send a letter to the editor letting them know how out of touch they are with the student population they claim to represent.
firingline@dailytexanonline.com

Sen. Obama has inspired a new generation of activists to get engaged in our democracy.  He's investing in student outreach like no other presidential campaign in history.  On a policy level, he's proposed tuitition rebates of $4,000 for every college student in America.

Editor Clair Harlin makes a weak argument that the Obama camapaign was somehow "unsympathetic" to offer assistance to students to get in the debate.  Huh?  

The Texas Democratic Party controlled the distribution of tickets, and originally, the TDP didn't offer any tickets to the general public.  Had Ms. Harlin done any reserach at all, she would have learned that Team Obama immediately launched a very public campaign to give the general public, including students, more access to this historic event.  We flooded the party office with emails and phone calls, and soon thereafter, the Party back-tracked and created an online ticket lottery.  So to argue that Team Obama was "unsympathetic" to the demand for debate tickets is so wildly off the mark it's downright humorous.  

Without question, Obama is a man of the people.  He held a big public rally a year ago at Auditorium Shores, in which thousands and thousands of students got to see a presidential candidate in person for the first time.  Since most presidential candidates only swing through Texas for high-dollar fundraisers, this public rally showed Obama's committment to the regular folks who can't afford to attend fundraisers.  

How many public rallies has Hillary Clinton held here in Austin...before it became clear that Texas would actually matter?

And just in case the Daily Texan missed the news, Obama is hosting another public rally tonight in front of the Capitol.  Again, there will be thousands and thousands of students, and I doubt that these students will think that Obama is "unsympathetic" to their concerns.

Props to the BOR Team for "un-endorsing" Editor Harlin.  Clearly, BOR is more in touch with Burnt Orange Nation than the Daily Texan.

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by: Ian @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 13:00:06 PM UTC

Wow. Disagree get un-endorsed. (2.00 / 3)

And not eloquent?  Why be from Texas if you have to drape a turd in a suit only to still call it a turd?  And I think this is very eloquent and quite to the point.

"In the past year, we have been entranced by the powerful timbre of Barack Obama's voice. We have felt our hearts soar with each progressive idea he has put forth, especially his call for youth action and enrollment in public service programs. But we do not think he is the wisest choice for president. George W. Bush has made a mess of America, and we believe Hillary Clinton is the best person to clean it up. She is prepared and willing to be a leader who is "a lot less hat and a lot more cattle," as she stated during Thursday night's debate."

As stated in the endorsement, she will restore support and levels of Pell grants and Stafford loans, and they also talk about his failure of a healthcare idea.

You may want to un-Endorse her, but they blow holes in Obama's rhetoric and they see that Hillary is substance and Obama is circumstance.

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by: TXDem08 @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 14:20:09 PM UTC

Beware to those who dare to endorse Clinton (2.67 / 3)

C'mon KT, you did leave out this part of the Daily Texan's endorsement:

...Clinton, while not as dazzling as her opponent, has asserted her presence to us. She has pledged to restore government support to college students by increasing the availability of Stafford Loans and Pell Grants. Her outline for a universal health care system is thorough and sound, while Obama unfairly exploits the resounding term "universal" in terms of his plan, which is voluntary and wouldn't actually serve America in its entirety (like Social Security, policy can only be universal if it is mandatory). Furthermore, Clinton's plans for Iraq ensure a gradual transition to stability for the Middle East.Clinton's abrasiveness, while somewhat off-putting, is essential in scrubbing our country clean of the grime the current administration has let build up. And by promising that the clean-up will begin in full effect on day one of her presidency, she's proved to us over and over again that she's ready, even excited, to get her hands dirty. Meanwhile, Obama's curent focus is geared toward winning the nomination, and we need more than hope and rhetoric to be reassured that the critical transition to come with the next presidency will be handled safely.

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by: David Mauro @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 14:26:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

"Blow holes"? (3.00 / 1)

Where?  The writing in the Deadly Toxin sucks.  There have been major errors of spelling and grammar in headlines and front-page stories.  

But rhetoric isn't the point.  Obama's already said what he'd do for students, so Claire should find some other hole to blow it out of.  
.  

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by: Grand Moff Texan @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 17:35:40 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

One more thing (3.33 / 3)

El Paso will likely vote for Hillary Clinton, but did you call the El Paso Times out of touch when they endorsed Obama?

I know you're for Obama, KT (and we all know I'm for ClintoN) but you may want to include the paragraphs where the Texan explains their endorsement of Clinton ... and its not purely based on the Obama camp's lack of communication.

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by: David Mauro @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 14:30:10 PM UTC

If there ever was a student-powered candidate... (2.50 / 4)

it's Sen. Barack Obama.

Every pundit in the country said it'd be a shock if Obama could increase caucus turnout in Iowa above 175,000.  But in large part due to student enthusiasm for Obama, caucus turnout was through the roof and eclipsed 200,000 by a long shot.  Barack did the impossible, and it's because he has inspired our generation to take back our country.

Here locally, Obama has been endorsed by the past five University Democrat presidents.  We've got Obama student chapters in over 20 colleges across Texas, and we're growing by the day.

The Daily Texan is so out of touch with its readers, it's sad.  Early voting on campus is through the roof, and a vast majority of those student votes are going for Obama.  Yes, El Paso will likely go to Clinton, but it'll be a lot closer than most pundits think.  The student vote in Texas, however, will go overwhelmingly to Obama.  Thank goodness the Burnt Orange Report gets as many readers as the Daily Texan, and students thus have an alternative to the "mainstream" campus media.

It's always been rather odd that the Daily Texan Editor is an elected position, but given this fact, it's safe to say Editor Harlin would probably not get re-elected after attacking the true youth-powered candidate.  

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by: Ian @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 15:39:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Dude... can the hyperbole... (0.00 / 0)

She didn't attack Obama any more than we did when we did when we endorsed Clinton.

Calm down, hermano.

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by: McBlogger @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 16:07:52 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

It'll be interesting (0.00 / 0)

to see if the Students actually vote this year...in both the Primary and the General Election.

Because, you know, in the past--they couldn't be bothered.

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by: Judith Ford @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 17:14:53 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Are you joking? (0.00 / 0)

Have you paid any attention whatsoever to this election?  Yes, the students are voting.  Many voted in the mid-term elections, too.  What an uninformed comment.
Not to mention that the students today are NOT the same students of the last presidential elections.  You know, because most people are only in college for 3-5 years.  

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by: iamhere @ Sat Feb 23, 2008 at 15:57:15 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

One interesting thing, (0.00 / 0)

there's a "Students for Obama" chapter at Baylor.

Baylor.

Not to detract from the Harlin/Clinton bashing, but damn. Baylor didn't allow frat houses 'til the last decade of the twentieth century. I'm not sure they've ever officially lifted the ban on dancing, and I know they haven't on drinking. And just two years ago they expelled a student who supposedly "admitted to being homosexual". Sheese, if they only knew.

I know for a fact there are at least 20 Baylor students involved with Obama for America. I've seen 'em at organizational meetings, etc. And, if the old rule of "1 active = 20 passive", then to say at least 200 Baylor kids support Obama is somewhat earth shattering in it's own right.

Ok. Back on topic. Damn that Claire Harlin. Let's take her out back.

Truth is patriotic.

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by: Michael Glass @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 21:45:45 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

For a glass of root beer... (0.00 / 0)

I'm going to assume that's what she's going out back for.

There has always been good natured teasing between the Texan and BOR.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 22:11:43 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Well, (0.00 / 0)

I was meaning for the proverbial, and verbal, "ass whooping", but root beer will do just fine.

Truth is patriotic.

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by: Michael Glass @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 22:43:05 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Sic'em Obama Osos!!!! (0.00 / 0)

I'm proud to hear students at BU are getting motivated/active for Obama!  

On a more substantive note, certain leaders (FDR, JFK, Reagan, etc) inspire an entire generation of youth to vote for their party for their entire lifetime.  Obama looks to be one of those figures.  Hillary, indisputeably, is not.  And that's a HUGE difference!!!

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by: David O. @ Sun Feb 24, 2008 at 16:58:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Grain of salt (0.00 / 0)

The Daily Texan's editorial board has every right to reach their own decision, and those of us who support Obama should live with that. They gave their reasons, and most of them are legitimate.

What's silly, however, is the Daily Texan's pique at not being included in the "major daily newspapers" of Texas. Get real, guys! The Texan represents a city of 70K (50K students + faculty and staff, including me). That's big, but Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, El Paso and San Antonio are a heckuva lot bigger.

Congratulation, Senator Clinton, for getting the support of a newspaper in a very pro-Obama area. But Senator Obama still has the support of every major newspaper in Texas.  

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by: LSadun @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 15:54:13 PM UTC

The same ones, (3.00 / 1)

it should be pointed out, that endorsed Bush in 2004 and will more than likely endorse McCain in 2008?

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by: McBlogger @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 16:09:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

KT's point is relevant (0.00 / 0)

Why would the Daily Texan cheapen their endorsement with a petty claim that, b/c it was impossible to get students into the debate, Obama wouldn't go as far as President?

Harlin could have left that endorsement out and had a stellar endorsement for Clinton to be proud of. That would have been best for her paper, as a brand, and for the student community the Daily Texan represents. Instead, she chose to whine. Lame.

The rest of the endorsement is great -- no question. But come on guys -- if we, at BOR, had endorsed Senator Obama and part of our endorsement said, "Senator Clinton's campaign isn't returning our phone calls, therefore she must not be ready to serve as President" we would have been tarred and feathered. Let's be real about that.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 16:21:24 PM UTC

That may have been KT's point... (0.00 / 0)

...but it wasn't hers. Her point was the Obama's staff, unlike Clinton's failed that test on sympathy, willingness to think outside the box and seek solutions. Personally, I think it's a pretty weak reason, but then again I think choosing someone because of some Chopra-esque quality is pretty weak as well.

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by: McBlogger @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 16:58:05 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Whatever (0.00 / 0)

Ian explained how Obama's Texas team lobbied for more tickets. The fact is, it wasn't even the TDP -- it was CNN, end of story. The TDP lobbied (after many lobbied them) and got a lot more tickets. This is another in a series of ridiculous complaints about Obama.

We didn't only choose Obama because of his (do you mean Capra-esque?) quality. But those who did doesn't make them less smart or worse off than any of Clinton's supporters.

I have yet to mock anything Senator Clinton has said or done. I only know of one of her supporters that can say the same about Obama -- David.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 17:15:28 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Phil... (0.00 / 0)

Pull back for second... she wasn't lambasting them for not getting her tickets. It was HOW they responded that disturbed her. Often I'm asked to do things I know won't work so I ask what the client is trying to accomplish. I'm often able to come up with another solution. What I read in the endorsement was that Clinton's people tried to do that; Obama's did not.

Rather than beat up on the Editor, why not ask why they didn't provide some of the same support.

No one is blaming Obama for tickets or being excluded. That's just not the issue.

(and yes, it was Chopra-esque, not Capra-esque... and I wasn't referring to you or K-T who were quite eloquent in your endorsement of Sen. Obama)

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by: McBlogger @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 17:40:47 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

OK (0.00 / 0)

n/t

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 17:51:03 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thanks for saying that Phil (0.00 / 0)

but you, unfortunately, are in the small minority of Obama supporters who have "yet to mock anything Senator Clinton has said or done."

Whether it is lies about swift boat attacks or just making stuff up, there has been plenty of unpleasantness around here.

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by: David Mauro @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 19:26:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Hillary is the one candidate (0.00 / 0)

to lead in a time of war and economic downturn. She has armed services and extensive foreign policy experience. Plus she's seen, first hand, how the president of the United States takes a deficit, failing economy and turns it around into a balanced   and surplus economy.

Obama gives a long list of things he says he's for and he'll do but we have absolutely no evidence that he can accomplish any of them. They even change from time to time depending upon who he's talking to. (Like the Cuba argument.)

We are a nation engaged in two wars. A nation facing economic recession or depression. This is not the time to to give inexperience a chance -- the issues are too serious. For their to be hope, we must have faith that leadership can achieve what they set out to do.

Vote Hillary. Please-- Texas democrats are counting on you. In other states the GOP has crossed over to vote for Obama interfering with the democratic nomination process. They'll do it in Texas, too. We need you to counter that strategy by voting Hillary. Democrats must pick their nominee, not the republicans.

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by: seattleg @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 17:34:20 PM UTC

Quite frankly, Clinton doesn't have experience. (0.00 / 0)

She has seniority, but that's not the same thing.

Hillary has sat there and looked pretty for the cameras when Obama's been out doing things when it wasn't politically expedient or sexy.  Obama's worked while Hillary has sucked up to the Bush administration and has done nothing to jeopardize her candidacy - even when it means staying home when Obama's out there voting against telecom immunity for warrantless wiretaps.  

As a result, we've suffered.  And that, to me, is completely and utterly unacceptable.  

It's simple: If Clinton gets the nomination, I stay home. I can't see a significant difference on the civil liberties issues between her and McCain, and this election year, the civil liberties issues are the only thing that matters.  

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by: BrianBoyko @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 17:40:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

vote mccain (0.00 / 0)

if you want someone with extensive armed services and foreign policy experience, you should vote mccain. he blows both our candidates out of the water in that area. the current administration has proved that experience in foreign policy doesn't mean much if it's not coupled with sound judgment.

and despite all her supposedly extensive armed services and foreign policy experience, she still got duped into giving Dubya the authority to pre-emptively invade a country that posed no imminent threat. not to mention, she didn't even read the National Intelligence Estimate before casting her vote. that's not what i want in my next president.

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by: Sal D @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 18:03:50 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I used to be associate editor of the Texan. (3.00 / 1)

Back in my day, this wouldn't have flown - it's poor writing, poor reasoning, and cheapens the Texan.  

I'm planning on writing a rebuttal column to the Daily Texan as former Associate Editor and U.T. Alumnus.  

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by: BrianBoyko @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 17:35:36 PM UTC

so what's the tally so far? (3.00 / 1)

Obama:

Austin-American Statesman
Austin Chronicle
Burnt Orange Report (the most important one, IMO) :-)
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
Dallas Morning News
El Paso Times
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Houston Chronicle
San Antonio Express-News

Hillary:

Daily Texan

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by: Sal D @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 18:07:55 PM UTC

As a columnist who works for the Texan (0.00 / 0)

I'm not sure how proper my commenting on their actual decision (as opposed to their earlier non-comment) would be.

But I'll just say that for an endorsement that mentioned the the word "logical" in supporting its position, said endorsement was anything but.

"There's nothing new except for the history that you don't know."
-HST

Justice Addict

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by: Colin Kalmbacher @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 18:09:38 PM UTC

Wow, the Texan use faulty and bad reasoning once again. (3.00 / 1)

I'm seriously embarrassed that this is what passes for an endorsement editorial in the best public university in the state of Texas.

Little substance, and a lot of time complaining about pathetic little things.  Not considering the Texan a "major newspaper" is hardly a "major gaff".  It appears that the Texan staff has way to big of an ego.  50-70,000 people is not minor, but it doesn't qualify to be a "major" newspaper.

And the Obama campaign was honest with the Texan that they couldn't do much about student seating.  So the Texan prefers someone who gives them false hope?

If the Texan had given a well reasoned and intelligent editorial endorsing Clinton, I would have been dissapointed but respected it.

"I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."- James A. Baldwin

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by: Timothy @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 18:10:35 PM UTC

At least KT's cat didn't shit on the endorsement (5.00 / 1)

As a former Texan editor who has been pilloried by Karl-Thomas for an endorsement before (although in a much more creative fashion -- if you don't remember, his cat happened to shit directly on our half-baked embrace of Kinky), I feel Claire's pain.

I, too, was irate that The Daily Texan chose not to endorse my candidate. Why, oh why, is Mike Gravel so overlooked?

I love endorsement season.

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by: JJ @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 18:32:40 PM UTC

Haha (0.00 / 0)

I'm just now jumping on this thread to read the comments and I hope everyone can see the degree of humor which is embedded in it. I'm sure Claire is a lovely editor (the first one I really haven't known in 5 years). It's just that their endorsement could have been so awesome and this really seemed a little cheap.

Oh, and Gravel is pretty cool JJ. I've met him twice, hehe.  

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Fri Feb 22, 2008 at 19:29:23 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Let's be honest with ourselves... (0.00 / 0)

As someone who worked within Texas Student Media for over 4 years, I'll say that the Texan has lost its touch with readers and this may be reflected in its falling ad sales in recent years.  The people chosen for editor seemed less passionate by the year (except that one guy who acted like some damn crusader about every. little. thing).

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by: iamhere @ Sat Feb 23, 2008 at 16:08:30 PM UTC

I'm a journalist, not a politician... (3.33 / 3)

... meaning that I am not obligated to act according to my "constituency." The purpose of a newspaper and its endorsements is to open readers' eyes to new ideas and perspectives on issues, not to tell them what they want to hear or confirm what they already believe. What good does that serve?
I know very well that UT loves Obama, and that our youth largely loves him, too. I also love Obama!
But I think there is a problem when young people are afraid to say they support Hillary Clinton because it's not the popular thing to do. The Daily Texan endorsement has further proven that supporting Clinton is just not accepted among youth voters, and that's especially a problem when many  students are developing their ideologies, trying to fit in to the political world or even voting for the first time. And if Clinton does win the nomination, that blind (yet passionate) sentiment could cost Democrats the presidency!
As stated in the editorial, I want to see students voting with their minds and not their hearts, and I have yet to see an endorsement for Obama that is as practical as the DT's endorsement of Hillary. A vote for Obama makes me just as happy as a vote for Clinton, as long as it's based on more than hope.
And to Karl Thomas - Yes, that was a bad time to point out that I didn't respond to your e-mail, mainly because I now have to stoop to responding publicly as well. I took the time to e-mail you personally in the first place to let you know about the Texan's efforts in getting students' questions heard in the debate because I thought you'd be interested in sharing that info on your site, which could help put pressure on CNN and make students' concerns more public. Of course you can quote from it, and that was obviously the point! Why would I send you that, but want you to keep the DT's efforts to involve students off the record? The DT stuck up for students all the way when they were shut out of the debate, and to answer your question - THAT is how far I would go for UT students as Daily Texan Editor!
Furthermore, I did not receive the reply you speak of, and I apologize for the lack of response. I hate excuses, but I am sure you can understand how busy I have been in the days surrounding a presidential debate on our campus, and I spent a lot of time on the phone with other media and even did a live CNN interview before rushing to class (and that's not including the two tests I had Friday and meetings to discuss upcoming SXSW coverage). Keep in mind that I am very accessible by phone and would have loved to talk to you. But it's pretty ridiculous that I have to even respond to such a cheap shot. I guess I don't mind endorsing your "un-endorsement" of me :)

- Claire Harlin

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by: Claire @ Sat Feb 23, 2008 at 18:47:57 PM UTC

thanks, Claire (0.00 / 0)

for your courage in speaking your mind and not taking the easy way out on this endorsement.  It's not often that one can find such a high level of integrity among journalists, especially at the student level.  It's disappointing that people will take cheap shots, but that's politics (and I do believe KT was speaking mostly tongue-in-cheek).

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Sun Feb 24, 2008 at 06:56:49 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Problems in logic, not in choice to endorse. (3.00 / 1)

The problem is not that the Daily Texan endorsed Hillary, but that the logic was pretty bad and it wasn't very well written.  Therefore this is a strawman: "But I think there is a problem when young people are afraid to say they support Hillary Clinton because it's not the popular thing to do."  

In particular, I found the reasoning behind these three things particularly bad:
"But during Thursday's debate, Obama made a major gaffe in incorrectly stating that he had received endorsements from every major newspaper in Texas. We may not be considered a "major" paper to many, but we represent a crucial constituency of close to 50,000 young and enthusiastic voters, and we've been scrutinizing every move of the candidates leading up to today's endorsement. Sure, Obama took many under his spell when he graced our city with his presence early in his campaign, but we think he prematurely considered his work in Austin done."

Using that as a reason to criticize him and endorse his opponent is very petty, and except for the apparently very over-grown egos of the Daily Texan staff, I doubt anyone took notice (and for something to be a "major gaffe", people have to at least notice).  The Texan is not a "major newspaper" by any stretch, to be major you have to serve a major city (hundreds of thousands or millions of people.)  The Daily Texan might be something to notice, but fails to qualify as a major paper.  Therefore, there was nothing wrong with Obama's statement.

This as well:
"We've taken into account our communication with each campaign as an indication of how each candidate's government would function. Upon finding out the debate would not be open to students, Obama's campaign told us there was nothing they could do to get more students into the debate, whereas the Clinton camp was sympathetic in offering assistance. This makes us wonder how far Obama would go for us as president."

Another example of the Texan worrying more about its own bruised ego than coming up with pertinent reasons to vote for one candidate over the other.  For one, the campaigns didn't control tickets so you could just have easily as said the Obama campaign was being honest while Clinton's was giving false hope.  Second, I doubt you were talking to the chief of staff of a campaign or anything, but probably a local low-level staff person who will have very little to do what Obama's administration would be like.

than this,
"The youth vote, especially here in Texas, is extremely important to both candidates. As Texas, Austin and UT have all entered the limelight as major players in the nomination process, we have been confused by Obama's relative absence from the home of such an important, excited and loyal constituency."
Um, Texas wasn't guaranteed be important till a few weeks ago.  As far as I can tell, at the time of your endorsement Obama had had two major rallies (and now three) in Austin while Clinton had had zero, so your complaining about Obama on this baffles me.  He can't be everywhere all the time, and Austin only represents the population of about 1/300th of the country.  Again this is a petty reason, not anything really pertinent.

As for the rest of it, it didn't flow very well and wasn't of the quality I would hope a college university's paper would have.

"I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."- James A. Baldwin

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by: Timothy @ Sun Feb 24, 2008 at 08:01:32 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Well stated, Timothy (0.00 / 0)

Timothy really took some of the words right out of my mouth. I could add more, but it is late, and as such, I only wish to point to the following op-ed as a far, far better example of real journalism.

Claire's explanations given for her Hillary endorsement go beyond weak reasoning. They are childish, at best.

For some contrast, here's some real op-edding:

Frank Rich: The Audacity of Hopelessness
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02...

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by: ciel @ Sun Feb 24, 2008 at 10:27:46 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

point missed (0.00 / 0)

Of course The Daily Texan is not a major paper by the definition outlined by Wikipedia, as many have directed me to. Agreed, that would be a silly thing to argue.
Obama's comment suggests his focus is on major papers, and that does somewhat leave out the Texan's readership, which is students, youth, those who I seek to serve.
"Major" means to be great in size, extent or importance, and when it comes to this race, the Texan's readers are indeed a a very, very major constituency that should not be overlooked in any capacity.

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by: Claire @ Sun Feb 24, 2008 at 20:22:30 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

If the Texan is not a "major" paper, what is the problem? (0.00 / 0)

His comment was an aside meant to trumpet endorsements, it wasn't a statement of what his focus was.  Frankly, the endorsement of the major newspapers means a LOT more than the endorsement of student papers, as they have a much wider readership and command more respect than student papers.  Even as a student, I put much more stock in what the Statesman or Austin Chronicle have to say than the Texan, whose circulations are many times those of the Texan.

If every significant student newspaper had endorsed him, he likely would have mentioned that as well, but as they hadn't he didn't.  But the fact is that the Obama campaign is putting a very significant focus on students, opening up two offices within a mile of campus (on Congress and in Dobie) and in getting out the student population to vote.

In any case, it's a petty issue to bring up in an endorsement editorial, just like the other items I talked about.  Especially the one about Obama not campaigning in Austin, since he's campaigned here much more than in other city in Texas (having held 3 major rallies) and probably more than Austin deserves in proportion to its national influence.  3 major rallies in about a year for a county that's only about 1/300th of the population of the country is very good, especially compared to Hillary's zero.  Mathematically, in proportion to our size he should only spend one day in a year here.

"I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."- James A. Baldwin

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by: Timothy @ Sun Feb 24, 2008 at 21:39:02 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yeah (0.00 / 0)

And Texans for Obama has really overlooked the UT population. You can tell by how well liked he is on campus.

Got to remain consistent if you're going to make sense.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Mon Feb 25, 2008 at 06:13:15 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Two things (0.00 / 0)

Claire,

First of all, I respect that you signed up and spoke here. It shows true character, and I'll try to honor that by keeping my comment short and to the point.

Why is voting with your heart wrong? Why is passion wrong? Why is it not practical to endorse Senator Obama?

We made an argument in our endorsement that Senator Obama brings the best type of leadership to the Presidency. That is a very real, crucial argument. Leadership isn't proposing the right solution -- it is much, much more about bringing people together around your idea, asking the right questions, admitting you don't have all the answers, allowing the public to weigh in, and thinking outside the box. Senator Obama has the best idea of leadership.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Sun Feb 24, 2008 at 17:14:02 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

That's part of the problem... (0.00 / 0)

>>>Why is voting with your heart wrong? Why is passion wrong? Why is it not practical to endorse Senator Obama?<<<

Replace 'Senator Obama' with 'Governor Bush' and you'd have an argument made by a lot of Republicans about supporting him in 2000. To be honest, much of my hesitation on Sen. Obama comes from how comfortable he is with politico-religious forces and his seeming acceptance of 'faith based initiatives'.

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by: McBlogger @ Mon Feb 25, 2008 at 15:56:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

So everyone else knows what I am referring to... (0.00 / 0)

http://www.dailytexanonline.co...

http://www.uwire.com/2008/02/2...

http://media.www.dailytexanonl...

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by: Claire @ Sat Feb 23, 2008 at 23:28:08 PM UTC