On this alternatively blustery, rainy, sunny fall day in Northern California I had occasion to let my mind wander in a manner similar to the meanderings of my 12 year old son. Aimlessly, tangentially, purposelessly...
Today, the McCain campaign let it be known they were about to sink even deeper into the muck. Given their current level of muck immersion, this could only mean that their intention was to completely submerse themselves in political sewage and hold their collective breaths for 30 days. Already it has become clear that the sort of stuff they were going after were Barack Obama's non-exisent assocations with the likes of Bill Ayers and dredge up the sex education for embryos story and other of the McCain campaign's greatest hits. No doubt when delivered with a wink, a "you betcha" and a bit of cleavage these stories will all seem more truthful.
These thoughts got me sad, upset and then mad. What if it all works? What if some of it sticks? What if the polls tighten or even reverse? What if McCain wins? I could not countenance that outcome.
I hope the Obama campaign choses an approach similar to that taken by Gov. Schwarzenegger when he ran for Governor (the first time). I hope they innoculate themselves by saying "here's what the other side is going to say about me and here's why it's bogus" before the other side starts carpet bombing. But the campaign is being run by folks who are smarter than me, so I'll just trust them to do the right thing.
But I have some skin in this game, too. I have some power to effect change. I decided I need to do my part. Sure, I've given a few bucks to the campaign but that's not enough. I'm going to get off my arse and get down to the campaign office. Do a little phone banking. I'm going to get involved.
It's not enough to monitor the Daily Kos and get all riled up. It's down to the wire. It's time to act. I don't want to see President McCain's portrait at the post office. I know you don't, either.