As expected McCain is running a Rove campaign.

As an Obama supporter I've been called naive throughout the primaries.  It's assumed that I drank the kool-aid.  But, I made my decision after careful consideration of the issues and the candidates themselves.  I had no doubt that McCain would go to the gutter.  The fear card will be played again.  And, we'll see lots of attempts at character assassination and swiftboating from 527s.

If we didn't I would be worried.  McCain wants to maintain his image of a maverick and to run what is perceived to be a high-minded campaign so he can maintain his cross-over appeal.  It's in part what allowed him to capture the Republican nomination, but the perceived success of the surge was a bigger factor.

But, unless something drastic changes in Iraq perceived success will not be enough in the General Election.  Even if he gets some help there, the economy is the number one issue with voters an area where he is weak. 

McCain is really stuck in the middle.  While the base has shifted a bit towards the center, he still needs to reach out to those on the extreme right.  And, he is under pressure from the establishment (who have even less to hang their hat on than McCain) to do so.

But, when he takes it too far he risks not only the independents but some moderates and true conservatives that want to send a message that they want their party back.  I don't see any way he will be able to play both sides of this and come out ahead. 

I would have been much more worried if he were to maintain a high-minded campaign and done more to separate himself from Bush, Limbaugh, and the like.

This does not mean we ignore the attacks.  No, the Obama campaign and Democratic party should respond as they have already.  Call them out and each time make it clear that it's an attempt to distract from the issues and divide us.

But, knowing that they will not change I encourage you to focus your efforts on your neighbors.  Write an op-ed asking whether these kinds of attacks really represent their values.  Look for opportunities to remind them about the real issues (Iraq, healthcare, jobs, etc...).

172 days...