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Sadly, the right-wing Swiftboaters will continue to smear all Democratic candidates with their hate and vitriol because the MSM and Democrats continue to let them get away with it. This modern-era viciousness got its start with Lee Atwater, continued with Roger Ailes, and has been brought to an art form by the soul-less Karl Rove and his wannabes. This is only the beginning and it seems that Amanda and Melissa are now early victims of the 2008 campaign. You would've thought that Edwards would have learned something from the toll that Kerry's lack of a response to the Swiftboaters took in 2004. And you would've thought that Kerry, before him, would have learned from Al Gore's experience in 2000. But you'd be wrong. Edwards, instead of cowering and issuing apologies on behalf of his staff, should've hit Donohue, Malkin, O'Reilly, et al., with both barrels, citing examples of their viciousness and hypocrisy. The only candidate who noticeably seems to have a spine is Obama, who has managed to give thoughtful yet forceful responses to those in the press (or Australian politicians as the case may be) who have unfairly gone after him. We have a long way to go until November 2008, folks...and I'm more than ready to see Democratic candidates stand up to these heinous tactics.
