Klein claimed Alterman mistook criticism of leftist Democrats as criticism of liberal Democrats -- but Klein's previous smears made no such distinction

SUMMARY: Joe Klein responded to Eric Alterman's report that on April 11, Klein declared that Democrats will not succeed in future elections "if their message is that they hate America -- which is what has been the message of the liberal wing of the party for the past twenty years." In his response, Klein claimed: "Alterman had me castigating the 'liberal wing' of the party, which I was careful not to do. There is a crucial difference between liberals and leftists." In fact, as Alterman noted, Klein regularly attacks "liberals" and Democrats in general, making no distinction between "liberals" and "leftists."

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