[Stultis]

This is McAuliffe's strategy...and right now...it seems to be working. Sad sad sad...

It won't work. You are correct that it is intensely damaging to American interests, but it won't work. Consider the history.

Incumbent Presidents subjected to "hate campaigns" (and/or extreme credibility attacks) by the opposition: Andrew Jackson, Lincoln, FDR, Nixon, Clinton -- ALL REELECTED.

Last incumbent denied reelection because the electorate voted AGAINST him, rather than for his opponent: Herbert Hoover, 1932.

[Solson]

Thanks for the info. As much as I believe Bush will win, optimistic posts often help. There's simply too much beating up Bush around here.

That is one side benefit of the whole Kerry potential scandal. It brought many folks back to the same page in the book...where it says we need to continue winning our elections before trying to submarine our own. :)