[LiberationIT]

You've hit it. IMO Alterman clearly seemed to feel he was above the proletariat. Although, I would characterize his behavior towards the staff as oafish and inconsiderate, rather than rude. He was not offensive, but he clearly lacked empathy for the working hotel staff.

[liliana]

i saw only the last few minutes of alterman on c-span and i heard him say that people in iowa (people in fly-over country) thought that barbra streisand was the most important liberal in this country. we're know-nothings to him.