The discussion going around about McCain's marriage to his second wife and his apparent infidelity to his first wife have, not for the first time, spawned some ethical questions in my mind.
We recall the 90s, of course, and our outrage at the Republicans' (mostly successful) attempts to gain political points off of Bill Clinton's philandering, the way they derailed the entire national discourse and tried to destroy the legacy and policies of the only Democratic president since the 70s.
So is it okay for us to try to make McCain's personal life an issue now, when we complained about it being done to us then? I think there are arguments to be made for both "yes" and "no" answers, and I'll list a few after the fold.
Yes. The Republicans have taken every opportunity to attack Democrats over their personal lives. Turnabout is fair play.
No. We objected to this behavior during the Clinton impeachment; it would be hypocritical of us to engage in it now.
Yes. The Republicans are the ones claiming that character and personal life are so important to a president; holding them to their own stated standards is fair game.
No. Even if the Republicans claim that a candidate's personal life is fair game, we should stick to substantive issues during the campaign.
Yes. And Clinton's personal life was fair game for political discussion, too. How our leaders handle their family lives is of relevance to how they handle the Presidency.
Floor's open for discussion. What do you think?