The central point cannot be missed. 2008 will be a change year. As Democrats, we will finally have an opportunity to begin erasing the damage of the past 8 years. It is vital that we elect a Democratic president, and the zeitgeist would suggest that the atmosphere is a lot more favorable to our side. We have stronger candidates, we have been raising more money, generic polling gives us an edge, we had significant successes in the last cycle, people are sick and tired of being sick and tired. 2008 should be our banner year.
However, as Democrats we cannot engage in a circular firing squad. We cannot carve each other up during the primary season. A fractured party is a losing party. We cannot let this happen.
Debates are important. Substantive, issue-based, thoughtful discussions about the positions of our candidates are encouraged and will lead to a stronger general election candidate. But, there is a difference between debates and attacks. We all know that. We must respect that.
The stakes are too high.
Cross-posted at http://mattomalley.b…
tell it to the campaigns. we have here a nation of people that casts more votes for reality tv contestants than governmental candidates. the campaigns seem to know this, because some have engaged in the very sort of cheek slapping you’re talking about. it’s apparently a good way to get the attention of the Enquirer set (who apparently are legion), who seem to care less about understanding the major issues, but’ll pull the lever for the most accomplished back-biter. the good behavior has to start with the campaigns.