"It's not nice to make fun of voters...?!" Waaa, waaa, waaa. Cry me a river, Lynne. What's not nice is masquerading political advertising as journalism. And what could be more funny than a guy with less than 6 months experience who couldn't talk his way out of a paper bag without a teleprompter, repeating the words hope and change, running for president of the United States. You're right. It would be funny if it wasn't true. Just like half the stuff the government dumps on us.

Flatter than a pancake? I think for Cons this was a clarion call to what is really going on. For the next ten years, Republican leaning college students will frame that cartoon and put in in their dorm rooms, much like the "Manhattanite's view of the Country" that they did in the late 70's...

http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/2007/02/07/72-the-world-as-seen-from-new-yorks-9th-avenue/

Your column and conversation with Mizz Balter is very interesting. I love satire, dating way back to Jonathan Swift, up through Oliphant, Horsey, and even some efforts on Ed Cetera. I laughed at the New Yorker cover, as did you, and I laughed at David Horsey's McCain rejoinder.
However, once again the shadow of elitism rears it's ugly head. (Remember our discussion a few months ago about Michelle Obama and about Barack's comments about embittered small town voters?)
I see the same thing in the protests of Obama supporters who have satircally lambasted Bush for years (e.g., big ears, low intelligence, country hick, etc. Just look at editorial cartoons or watch the popular Jib Jab cartoons) but now take umbrage at an Obama cartoon.
And then to hear your interview, (paraphrased) "only an idiot would believe this outrageous cartoon, but we live in a diverse country that contains idiots."
Shades of Peter Jennings', "the voters had a temper tantrum last week", or the various spoutings of Ted Turner, "Christianity is for losers", etc.
I get the distinct feeling from you and other "enlightened elitists" that the New Yorker's biggest mistake was forgetting that there are Neanderthal's that don't subscribe to the New Yorker (or won't be voting for Obama for what we think are quite legitimate reasons) who are "idiots" and won't get the humor in this.
I keep hoping that there can be open debate and discussion without condescension but then I see and hear remarks like yours and others on this cover and realize it's not to be.

What's pathetic about all this is that the cartoon will influence some and be used as a tool. I think it's a funny dig at those who actually believe the image to some extent. Enough voted for W, somebody with absolutely no skills or history of accomplishments, just a trail of failures. So we're obviously not all that interested in learning what's below the surface and are content to go by impressions. There's alot of ignorance and prejudice out there and it'll influence this election as it does everything else. Too bad. And there's nothing "elite" about acknowledging that.