Saturday, October 04, 2008

It's Ugly Time!

Here we go! Direct from CNN this evening:

"Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin slammed Sen. Barack Obama's political relationship with a former anti-war radical on Saturday, accusing him of associating "with terrorists who targeted their own country." Palin's comment delivered on the McCain campaign's announcement that it would step up attacks on the Democratic presidential candidate."

Remember when both candidates committed themselves to running clean campaigns? We had a few moments of hope that this election would be fought on issues. Sorry, folks. We're headed for a month of mud-slinging, at least from the republicans who sense that this election is heading south for them.

The nice thing about Palin's claim is that it's true. Obama has had a relationship with a semi-repentant terrorist from the 1960's, a man who has re-integrated with Chicago society and apparently done some good things. Obama can't deny this relationship, nor can he explain it in a few words. It will be interesting to see how Obama and Biden handle this mud, mud that's been around for awhile but is now being given another shot.

Will we be treated by Joe Biden to some juicy tidbits about Palin? Will some particularly juicy McCain anecdotes hit the airwaves in October? One thing's sure - once the gloves are off, there will be blood on the floor. November 5th will be a bitter day for a lot of people, regardless of how this election turns. If the election had been contested on issues, the losing side might find some equanimity. But when ugliness characterizes the fight, bitterness is the sure outcome. Such a pity!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now is when we most need the press to step up and do their jobs. We need more stories along the lines of, "Here's what was said- and here is the whole story."

Sonja's Mom said...

AMEN!

Ron Davison said...

I saw this quote from a McCain supporter to the effect that they have to use any tactics because of what is at stake. One of the things that the American people loved about McCain was that when the most was at stake (his life and health) he was the least willing to use questionable tactics. Honor? Hmm. Sad way to go out.

Woozie said...

Is it over yet?