Dark Bilious Vapors

From Jacob Weisberg's contribution to a discussion (with William Saletan) of Democratic campaign ads (by the so-called "527 organizations", not the Kerry campaign): Good for the Slander

Whether or not Kerry's ads—including these non-Kerry Kerry ads—are as bad as Bush's, they are demagogic and convey an economic nationalism that I find repellant. Yet at the same time, I'm relieved that liberals are finally playing hardball and not being patsies for Bush's attacks. I like the joke that Bush is creating jobs in China, even if I think it distorts reality. If I'm not mistaken, you share this sentiment at least a little. As much as you want to be evenhanded and declare a pox on both their houses, you seem slightly pleased that Kerry is running smart, even if he's running ugly.

This time four years ago, I tried to deal with this problem in a piece called "Dilemma of the Ruthless Democrat." Personally, I'm glad that Democrats aren't going to serve themselves up as victims for ruthless Republicans this time around. I plan to continue calling Kerry on his b.s., just as I'll continue to call Bush on his. I know you will, too. But I also hope that Kerry matches Bush slander for slander.

Len on 05.05.04 @ 06:59 AM CST