Backers of Obama

Re “A national mood swing,” Opinion, Feb. 7

Although I agree with Rosa Brooks that there’s a national political tidal movement underway, I disagree with her assessment: “Today, the arguments between the two candidates are over who is best placed to bring about the seismic change.” The difference is that Barack Obama is mostly who he says he is, while Hillary Rodham Clinton is a pandering, unprincipled, all-about-me, divisive and finger-to-the-wind politician. She has not taken an unpopular stand, and I doubt she ever will. I’m an independent who was once a Democrat; I would not vote for Clinton even if her opponent were the current occupant of the White House.

Amed Hamila

Minneapolis

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Brooks is right that a national mood swing is in the works. But what she completely misses is that Obama himself has created what she calls an “idealistic yearning for change.” For the first time in half a century, a leader with judgment, talent and the unique capacity to energize and inspire this country has emerged. Whether this yearning for change endures and is translated into true change has everything to do with Obama’s winning the nomination.

Elizabeth

Byrne Debreu

Los Angeles