Anyone noting the recent TPM article about Freedom's Watch casting about for a hook to mount its standard bushwhack campaign, and wondering where the ruthless deceit would begin need muse no more: The group is using Barack Obama's name to scorn the opposition. That's right! Everyone's favorite character assassins are going to sink political campaigns by linking them to Mr. Hope & Change.

Who thought that one up? With 80-plus percent of the country sold on the idea that we're on the wrong track, hope and change don't seem like such bad ideas. Although he seems to have trouble closing the primary deal and tubbing Clinton, Obama hasn't exactly become  Bob Ney-repellent - regardless of "bitter" missteps and that fulminating brother from another pulpit.

Nevertheless, this muy-rich front group of would-be swift boaters (headed up by the exceedingly shifty Ari Fleischer) is telling Louisiana voters a Democratic candidate "supports Barack Obama's radical agenda on health care." Radical? Hmmm. Like, affordable? Or... Trotsky!

Oooo...

If, as the TPM story earlier this week indicated, Freedom's Watch is looking for something to do, maybe it should put down some dough to cover their Big Guy this fall. He's too cozy with lobbyists, crackhead-dumb when it comes to commenting on the economy, and possessed of an Old Testament-style, bust-the-gaskets temper that's not a bright item on a nuclear-age resume. No matter who is McCain's opponent after July, you can bet the term "Keating Five" will crop up from time to time.

This year, guys, go defense.