Read other letters about this article

• Thursday, August 28, 2008 09:38 AM

  How Can Democrats Attack McCain's Character Effectively?

  I agree that it would be better if the attacks on McCain were more personally directed at him rather than at just his policy positions, and if I hear one more time how friendly they are with him and how great they think his heroism is I'm going to need a rubber room to scream in.

  That said, I think that unfortunately it's hard for Democrats to attack McCain in the media atmosphere of John McCain, Media Hero and Maverick (Did You Know He Was A POW?). The Republicans have perfected the Art of the Hissy Fit, as Digby says. If Democrats did go after McCain's character directly I believe the traditional media gasbags would go full-on with the Hate, giving Republican talking heads weeks full of programming to throw their fake hissy fit. I know many of you will say that Democrats shouldn't care about that, but this kind of coverage shapes the way people think about the candidates. I don't think it would be good for the Obama campaign to be painted as a campaign that allows full-on personal attacks of the war hero that all the pundits love.

  So my question to the commenters and Glenn specifically is what shape would an effective personal attack on McCain's character take? Is there any way for the Democrats to do it and avoid the weeks of Republican hissy fit that are sure to follow? We already know that we can't depend on other Democrats to cover the ass of anyone who dares to criticize McCain personally (see Clark, Wes for how that usually plays out). I know this is a problem but I can't see any easy solution for it.

  —Soprano2 Read Soprano2's other letters
  Permalink
  Flag
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel