Barack Obama's address to the Veterans of Foreign Wars on August 19, 2008, illustrates a refreshing change from the Republican Party, which smeared John Kerry and questioned the patriotism of numerous other Democrats, such as Max Cleland of Georgia--But will such civility hinder the Democrats from winning the White House? A friend and I had a discussion recently in which my friend insisted that Democrats have to learn to fight just as dirty as the Republicans, that Democrats have to learn to toe the party line and not to cross the aisle just as Republicans have done the last few years, that Democrats should mount their own Swift Boat attacks and set their own versions of a Jerome Corsi loose on the gullible public, that Democrats need their own Fox News to parrot talking points over and over and over. I, however, think one can be tough without being mean and deceitful. Perhaps I remain, still, too idealistic.
Update
Here is David Crisp on John McCain's stating that he hadn't questioned Barack Obama's patriotism. I also did a double-take when I heard McCain's claim on the news this evening. Yes, McCain is following the Republican playbook in questioning the patriotism of his opponent. And then lying about it.
And also Kevin Drum on how George Soros' support for Democratic causes has been effectively demonized by the right--Many of the responses to Drum's post reflect the feelings of my friend who thinks Democrats should learn to fight dirtier.
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