Quote of the day

One reporter puts the proper perspective on the question of elitism in the presidential race.

Published August 22, 2008 2:31PM (EDT)

USA Today's Jill Lawrence has an interesting article Friday on the controversy brewing over John McCain's houses and his campaign's countercharges of elitism.

Actually, it's not the article itself that's interesting so much as the last paragraph, which is notable for adding some basic factual context that's so often lacking from reporting on this issue:

McCain, who has portrayed Obama as an elitist, is the son and grandson of admirals. The Associated Press estimates his wife, a beer heiress, is worth $100 million. Obama was raised by a single mother who relied at times on food stamps, and went to top schools on scholarships and loans. His income has increased from book sales since he spoke at the 2004 Democratic convention.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

MORE FROM Alex Koppelman


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2008 Elections Barack Obama John Mccain R-ariz.