The bottom line: Roveism at work

“I didn’t say that, and I don’t agree with what he said. It is my church, and I don’t pick out a church like a supermarket. If you want to know what I believe, listen to me, not someone else. That’s all there is to say. Accept it or don’t.”

Indeed, that's all there is to say. Accept it or don't. How far down is the barrel being scraped when you have to attack someone based on something someone else said. It's classic Karl Rove, though: Kerry's strength with independents -- he was a war hero. Swiftboat him. Gore, an Eagle Scout of a public servant with impeccable honesty. Make him a serial fibber. Obama's strength: he transcends racial barriers. Make him a Black Panther (and an Israel-hating black for a two-fer).

Of course, the mainstream media either falls for it or deliberately channels it, either from shared ideology or fear of right-wing attacks. The Democrat is put on the hot seat, McCain's active embrace of someone who uses hate-filled rhetoric is given a complete pass. Start making the attacks from our side. Get to management, board members, the advertisers. Demand journalism instead of pro-Republican propaganda.

Demand, too, that the candidates and all other prominent Democrats bring Roveism like this into the national consciousness. This is how our elections are being decided. How long are we going to acquiesce in letting this happen? Jesus got angry at the money changers. These guys are even worse, not just avaricious but deliberately evil.