Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns endorses Obama; cites negativity of Clinton campaign

[Adelante]

Ken Burns, creator of the epic PBS series "The War," among other award winning projects, told reporters today that he had intended to stay neutral in the presidential contest, but felt "compelled" to back Barack Obama. He also cited Obama's courage in opposing the "unnecessary and unwise" Iraq war, and decried what he called "slash and burn character attacks."

Burns, who lives in Walpole, also said "recent events" (Billy Shaheen's Obama drug comments?) prompted him to weigh in on the contest. He didn't elaborate much on that point, but added about Hillary Clinton's campaign: "I am really disappointed just in the tone that the campaign has taken on their part. I think she's getting some bad advice, and I'm sure she'll clean up the act, but it was time for some real change."

Ever the student of history, he had this to say as well ...

"If you were a political pundit in the 1850s, you would be certain that what the country needed was an old pro like Clay, or Webster, or Calhoun," Burns said. "In fact, what the country actually needed was a relatively -- or so it seemed -- inexperienced young, wiry figure from Illinois. And I'm willing to accept that at least in this case history does repeat itself."

http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/

[TwilightGardener]

1. Yay! I like and respect Ken Burns. Glad he appreciates Obama.

[Lerkfish]

2. the absolute arrogance and false elitist entitlement will prove

the clinton campaign's undoing.

[Adelante]

3. From The Swamp

Burns said he liked Obama right off the bat and felt he could stamp out society's "creeping cynicism" with his "unironic posture."

"I have been attracted from the beginning to his authenticity," he said. With the country facing difficult times, he said, the nation needs "someone able to dream and suggest a future without being tied to the past."

He also said he appreciated Obama's stand against the war when other candidates supported it.

"I think this is a human being who knew in advance how unnecessary and foolish this war was," Burns said, adding that Obama knows how to distinguish between "fraudulent wars," and "those that really need to be fought."

As a state senator, Obama spoke out against the invasion of Iraq, while Clinton voted for the use of force resolution.

"His record is utterly clear and unassailable on this point," said Burns.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2007/12/obama_brings_out_a_heavy_nh_hi.html

[flpoljunkie]

4. An excellent endorsement, particularly in that Burns felt compelled now to come forward.

[jenmito]

5. GREAT news! K&R to the Greatest page!

:kick:

[Adelante]

6. It would be great if he made a few campaign ads nt