Distortions and Deceit

As the linked article from the Washington Post relates, some Democrats are getting tired of the Clintons, particularly Bill aggressive tactics against Obama or blaming the media or blaming Obama using the media as his surrogate.

"Some in Party Bristle at Clintons' Attacks" link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/23/AR2008012304036.html

I tend to agree with the article in that the debate should be about ideas, but if Obama is getting attacked by two candidates (Billary), he needs to strike back. Credibility/Character (ethos) matters.

I think it's fairly obvious what happens when you don't address obvious distortions of your record or facts (see John Kerry's presidential bid or the run-up to the Iraq War for examples). If lies or distortions are presented so often, people start believing them, unfortunately. The perception becomes the reality.

For me, I wanted to see Obama punch back at how the BET owner referenced his drug use a while back. Obama could have simply said something like this: "Yes, that was in the past. I was young and needed guidance in my life. And thankfully I found it. At that time in my life, I unfortunately smoked marijuana (brief pause). I inhaled. "

John McCain, You've just been Swift-Boated

The recent attack ad (flier) going around the Palmetto state is connected directly to this horrible website.

Link: http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com/

As has been reported by various media outlets, the same folks who brought you the "black baby" business in South Carolina in '00 for Dubya are now working for Slick Mitt, the sunshine pumper to Michigan.

That website is absolutely creepy. Wow.

Addendum to Same Old Politics

This commentator strikes the nail on the head too.

Link: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/the-clintons-and-history/index.html?hp

Although this is a bit conspiracy theorist of me, I believe someone in the Clinton campaign provided/leaked/offered the "Madrassa" story to Insight Magazine back in January 2007.

Link: http://factcheck.org/articles/articleview.php?id=433

What do you all think? Would the Clintons have the most to gain from that smear job? Hillary came out publicly and called it a right wing hit job or something like that, but I'm having my doubts. She protested a bit too loudly.

Quick Questions about Roger Clemens

Do you think he used HGH or steroids?

If so or if not, why do you believe he did or didn't?

Or does it even matter anymore?