I was glad to learn from a Dec. 26 letter (“Pointless swipes”) that other readers are bothered by the constant Clinton-bashing engaged in by so many of the Tribune’s cartoonists and columnists. The sneers and jabs often have no relation to events; it seems the commentators just want to keep us, and themselves, convinced that President Clinton is a hateful person.
Why is this such a compelling need? Well, one has to admit these commentators don’t have a lot of options. Regardless of how much credit is due the Clinton administration, on the whole the country has been doing quiet well under it: the economy strong, unemployment and crime down, welfare rolls declining, the budget teetering toward balance, inflation apparently under wraps.
Not only are contrasts with the Republican years getting too clear for comfort; creeping optimism is threatening to run out of control and turn into Democratic votes. And after years of devoted effort to cripple and discredit him, Mr. Clinton is still functioning. It’s enough to drive any right-winger frantic.
No wonder Clinton’s enemies are savaging his character, his campaign methods, his family, even his decision to own a dog named Buddy. When ammunition runs low, you’ll use whatever is there.
