I've had a disagreement with one of the folks whose opinion I respect the most, DHinMi, on some political tactics that were used by a Dem candidate. And because of this high regard, it got me to thinking about acceptable and unacceptable behavior and surmises when discussing these issues.
Without the specifics, which I think are beside the point to my entry, and, now, in the atmosphere of unity, it may lead to some rational exchanges of what may be acceptable discourse, surmise, charge, etc.
Here's my framing of the issue - what campaign tactics are acceptable in a Dem v. Dem scenario, primary or otherwise? Can the gloves come off? And if so, to what extent? Let's take an extreme - Willie Horton, is a Willie Horton-type attack acceptable? My obvious answer is - never.
But how about demagoguery of one sort or another -for example, was it fair to label Dean as against affirmative action? He did say that he wanted to move to a class-based system, though later he clarified those earlier remarks. What would have been acceptable?
Now a tougher question - code words. Now, I'm ultra sensitive, I'll admit, but sometimes code words are code words. How can we discuss substance, legitimate charges, without playing race card games. I'll admit this is difficult. With Republicans, not so much, as I feel much more confident in ascribing motives.
With Dems, the inclination generally is for benefit of the doubt. Particularly, with candidates who have good records. And yet, and yet, and yet, sometimes, at least for me, I feel I know what the candidate is doing, though, objectively, I could see an argument being made that this is not the case. In such situations, what is acceptable for me to say in response?
These are hard questions I know. I'm being ultrasensitive, I know. But, but, but, there is a lot of history here. This is not black and white (no pun intended). It is gray all over. I want to be fair. I don't want to be knee jerk. I want open and honest discussion.
So do I have to give the benefit of the doubt? Even if I really believe otherwise? An honest quandary on my part and interested in other thoughts.
