Apparently it CAN go lower..

A few posts ago I raised the question, "how low will they go" in regards to political mudslinging prior to the upcoming mid-term elections. Apparently the answer is becoming clear:

Bush, Foley & Santorum together! Enter the Photo-Caption Contest!

This kind of cheap and juvenile attack (and no doubt others yet to come) is what turns off moderate voters and degrades the political process.

An occasional commenter to this blog named Alfred Glenstein tipped me to this Daily Kos story, which is apparently an attempt at humor as well. There's nothing wrong with a little political humor but the way these stories were presented without proper warnings (or an understanding going in like with The Onion and Scrappleface) appears deliberate. Here's how Glenstein put it:

This is made up, but it's not funny or enlightening, and frankly, it's most likely a retarded flight of fancy into some realm the writer wishes were true, to such an extent that they would photoshop and come up with a long elaborate story about it.

Foley, whom I've stayed away from here so far, is a lecherous guy with a problem. He's on the road to dealing with it, which is good. He resigned, which is good. And yes, the republicans should expect hypocrite charges if they run on values.

But it seems some democrats couldn't find their politcal butt if it had a bell on it. There was an opportunity to score some major points by rising above the fray and expressing sympathy for this man's problems, what with all the substance abuse and sexual foibles common in their world. Reid didn't take that road, nor have many in the blogosphere. That's something that might be remembered next month, especially if more of these stunts occur.

And that advice applies to republicans, too. Guys--rise above the fray, take the high road if there's a choice. I'll try to do the same as well.

MORE 10/3/06

Yep, sounds like a real "rise above it" strategy. Hey, I didn't just fall off the turnip truck, it's just politics as usual.

But if we're gonna play it, and the democrats seem intent on playing it, the republicans should counter with "contrasts". They should point to recent history of politicians being caught and point out that Repubs usually "do the right thing" consistent with their platform.

The elephants should ask voters which they'd prefer--a politician who, when caught owns up to it and resigns or one who holds onto office like a snarling old dog clutching a steak bone in the backyard.