Hillary Clinton attacks Barack Obama for being elitist, as someone who is out of touch with common people. This is an absurd point of comparison.

Neither candidate started life in privilege. Both were bright, hardworking and lucky enough to graduate from Ivy League law schools. Both are now wealthy and living protected lives -- a consequence of their positions. If anything, Obama came from more difficult circumstances, and if anything, Clinton has been sheltered for many more years than Obama.

Neither of them hunts or shops at Target or struggles to pay bills. Clinton's assertion that she is more in touch with people is nothing but desperate pandering.

The important difference between these candidates is that Obama's message is populist (the opposite of elitist). He advocates that changes in government come from finding common ground among all people. His gift is in motivating people to believe they can make a difference and turn their ideas into practical changes.

We have a mediocre, regular-guy president now. How's that working out for you?

Kathy Jimison

Hillsborough