Recent writers to the editor of the NYT:

"e ÒMcCain Is Trying to Define Obama as Out of TouchÓ (front page, July 31):

Senator Barack Obama is a well-educated, well-spoken man who has just returned from his first visit abroad as a presidential candidate. By all accounts, he was well received Ñ the trip was successful and without incident.

Here in America, the appearance of Mr. Obama as a presidential candidate seems to have thrown some of the more traditional politicians into a tizzy. They must have short memories Ñ both John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton socialized and were photographed with celebrities. And Mr. Clinton is still doing that. Mr. Obama isnÕt, and to insinuate so is just wrong.

Senator John McCain knows better, and it is his reputation that is being damaged by stooping to this level of campaigning.

Joan Baldwin Chapman
Cheshire, Conn., July 31, 2008

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To the Editor:

The Straight Talk Express has permanently derailed. Launching shameful attacks with no basis is typical Republican Party desperation tactics. These attacks have only solidified Senator John McCainÕs persona as the third disastrous Bush presidency.

David Walker
North Dartmouth, Mass.


July 31, 2008"


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