A year ago I would have verbally pummeled anyone that said bad things about the Clintons. For all of their flaws, they served this country well and it was a proud time for our nation. That was then...
... and this is now.
The Clintons have broken the 'negative campaigning' ice. It's clear that they are perfectly willing to run a scorched earth campaign and override the pledged delegates to return to the White House.
If we've learned anything from Kerry's campaign, it should be that holding yourself 'above it all' is not a winning strategy. If you allow your opponent to define you, they will define you. If you allow the press to be bullied into attacking you, they will attack you.
Public opinion (the press being part of the public) is shaped by the campaigns. We may like to think that people can see through all of the rhetoric and nonsense spewed out in negative campaigning, and it may be correct politically to say that they can, but in the end we all know - deep down inside - it's not true.
As recently as last week 60 Minutes showed voters in Ohio that actually believe Obama uses the Koran to be sworn in. Those voters couldn't see through it.. they couldn't rise above it. They vote, though, and they count as much as anyone.
Look, do not lose sight of what Obama stands for. A people-powered, positive and uplifting campaign has enormous potential to create meaningful change in Washington. Necessary change. The reality is, though, that we can't get in a position to change Washington unless we win elections. If our opponents continue to go negative, we have to be willing to return the favor.
Do you have to be shrill and offensive? No. Point out that she failed to summon anything near the political will necessary to pass healthcare reforms. Call for the tax returns daily until they are released. PUT ON SOME PRESSURE.
I beg you Obama: Unleash the dogs of war.