Mud Slinging

Here we go again. Here comes the bitter, angry part of the presidential campaign. Governor Perry proclaimed in front of Newt Gingrich that any many who would cheat on his wife would cheat on anybody and anything.  Rick Perry has every right to feel desperate. His political fortunes peaked and declined months ago, and Newt appears headed towards the finish line, well ahead.

American political campaigns have always been ruthless and bloodthirsty. Thomas Jefferson's opponents accused him of being an adulterer, and Andrew Jackson's opponents accused his wife of being a bigomist.

Whether the accusations are correct, and they often are, isn't the point. The point is, must we go there? Must we stoop to such barbarity, such crassness? Yes we must, history suggests.

But suddenly there's a good sign. The attacks against Newt's love legacy seem to be failing. This means either that our cultural standards have plunged, or that we are tired of mud slinging. Of course, both Jefferson and Jackson, in spite of their atackers, were successful.

Maybe the voters will force politicians to discuss policy, and refrain from the personal attacks.