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."
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