The campaign's nasty phase

As the McCain campaign transitions to attacks on Obama's character, let's remember why this is happening. They're losing.

Their hope is that they can separate the candidates from the frame of actually, you know, running the country and its policy, and try to lure Obama into a pissing contest of their definition.

I think it's important to respond, but I don't think fighting it tit for tat is really the way to go. That's what the McCain campaign wants.

I think you rebut particular charges, but I think the underlying thread is that you shame McCain, saying these are the tactics of a desperate losing campaign and a man who has lost his bearings.

"It really is sad that a man with such a proud history as John McCain has been dragged so low by his desperation. We all expected so much more from John McCain......"