Sperling and me:

[elleng]

Jan. 10 (Bloomberg) -- For all the focus on the front- runners for the Democratic nomination, perhaps nothing showed the strength of the field more than who has already dropped out of the contest -- namely, Senator Joseph Biden and Senator Christopher Dodd.

Because they weren't able to register on the national poll thermometers it is easy to scoff at them as simply being the usual, run-of-the-mill members of Congress who throw their hats into the ring either in a fit of dreamy optimism or to get their 15 minutes of fame.

But that doesn't describe Biden and Dodd.'>>>

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_sperling&sid=aaJIZ3Uj5awc



Dear Sir,

I appreciate seeing your commentary, recognizing senators Biden and Dodd. I must disagree, however; I don't think that Senator Obama's arrival 'sucked the air out.' The media did it, all by themselves, and they've got just what they want now, an 'exciting' horserace, from which they can pick all the nits.

There is no good reason that they are forced to spend all their time on Obama and Clinton, without even discussing their programs. The people want to hear about all the candidates, as you must recognize, viewing the public's interest in Iowa and New Hampshire. No more time for retail politics, and we are again cheated out of fine candidates.

This system must go.

[stlsaxman]

1. nice retort, ellen! spot on.

This system must go.

[Steely_Dan]

2. Well Written...

[Eurobabe]

3. Who stole my Rec button?

Nice comeback Ellen.

I assume you've seen the Levin/Nelson bill for rotating regional primaries? We need to contact our Reps and Senators and ask them to support this bill.

[elleng]

7. 48%,

Regional/schmegional; what effect on media tyranny???

I'm 'new;' HOW does one K & R????

[WheelWalker]

4. This system gives me vertigo...

Now what I would comparatively characterize as "run-of-the-mill members of Congress" are all that's left as contenders for the Democratic nomination.

[gateley]

5. I am so FURIOUS with the media! Good response, ellen!! nt

[jillan]

6. And why couldn't they write this before Iowa???

Excellent letter Ellen!!