Reply #61: Could we stop pretending that the notion of attacking your opponent is

[Occam Bandage]

somehow Republican in nature? They didn't invent the dirty campaign. They may have raised it to new highs recently, but we've not seen anything to approach SBVT or Max Cleland. Neither Obama nor Edwards nor Clinton have engaged in "GOP-style" tactics. When Obama or Clinton or Edwards start railing against "illegals" and claiming their opponents are "traitors" and "weak on terror," then yeah, I'll say they're using GOP tactics.

Now, Obama and Clinton and Edwards are all using negative tactics, and are all fighting dirty. They're going into the most brutal stretch of the primary campaign. I'd be shocked if anyone wasn't using negative tactics, to tell the truth. Those that don't draw sharp distinctions between themselves and their opponents end up losing. It's unfortunate, but voters keep responding to it.

Clinton attacked Edwards a few weeks back because Edwards was bashing Clinton, and she thought his attacks might resonate with Iowa voters. She's been attacking Obama recently because she's worried Obama is going to win. While it's a sign of weakness in her campaign, I don't think that's despicable.