What you won't hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge, and patriotism as a bludgeon- that sees out opponents not as competitors to challenge, but enemies to demonize. Because we may call ourselves Democrats and Republicans, but we are Americans first. We are always Americans first.
- Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), 6.3.08
How sad is it when not only can a Presidential candidate not afford to ignore the lies, slander, and character assassination directed at him, but he also feels the need to combat the trash tossed in his direction with a website designed to specifically address the propaganda being spread about him by his opponent's surrogates?
You'd think that here in the 21st century we could get past race, skin color, and the irrational fears that attach to each of those items. You might think that...but you'd apparently be dead wrong. To make matters worse, it appears that some folks think that Michelle Obama is fair game...and that many folks seem to see nothing wrong with judging a President by their spouse...as if their "better half" is a mere extension of their own personality and competence.
I've been hoping that maybe this time around we'd actually be able to have an open, honest debate about the serious issues facing this country. God, I can be SO naive at times, can't I? Then again, if this doesn't underline the moral and intellectual vacancy of the GOP this time around, I'm not sure what else could. If Republicans had anything at all to offer, they'd be participating in an honest and open debate...and perhaps we'd actually be able to talk to another across our differences. Instead we're treated to character assassination, racial stereotypes and race baiting, and gratuitous insults directed at Michelle Obama.
If you're a Republican, and this is the best you have to offer...man, even you'd have to admit that you're in a world of hurt....
Same as it ever was.
