Chronicle creatively defines character

On behalf of the used car salesmen of America, I want to thank The Chronicle for offering a new definition of character.

In the Nov. 4 endorsement for President Clinton's re-election, The Chronicle chose not to follow the lead of The New York Times and The Washington Post, both of which expressed serious misgivings about the president's questionable ethics in the process of offering lukewarm endorsements of his candidacy.

Rather, The Chronicle chose to address the President's character in the following, thoughtful manner: "While ethics are important, character must also encompass such things as charisma or public persona. As seen in the debates, Clinton far outshines Dole in his ability to present himself as a commanding presidential figure."

So that's what character means. Apparently, when Clinton promised in 1992 that his presidency would be "the most ethical administration in history," he was simply promising to perform well in debates. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

During the 1976 campaign, Jimmy Carter promised in the wake of Watergate that "I will never lie to you." And guess what? Carter turned out to be an uncharismatic leader and was trounced by Reagan in their 1980 debate. Using The Chronicle's definition, Carter-a man of unquestionable ethics-had a character problem.

David Morganstern

Law '97

Discussion

Share and discuss “Chronicle creatively defines character” on social media.