This is what the end of the Bush era looks like - a turning point that will either lead to Republicans learning from their mistakes and returning as a wiser and more likeable party, or a descent into jingoistic know-nothingism.

I have no reservations about saying that, in the past month, Republicans and the Palin-centric part of the McCain campaign have been the purveyors of the most divisive and negative message I have ever seen in my life in this country. That is in no way an exaggeration.

All of McCain's paid-for adds are now negative. Again, no exaggeration. Look it up. McCain swore to run a clean campaign. Now he is doing his best to associate Obama with terrorism. Even Bush didn't go that far. And spare me the defensive "oh oh, no, we just want the full story on Obama. Who is he?"

Bull. shit.

You know what is going on. The myths about Obama being a muslim permeate the background of this. Now bringing up his association with Ayers gives everyone the chance to use the word "terrorist" and "Obama" in the same sentence. We are at war against terrorists, and McCain has shifted his campaign to play up the idea that Obama is one of them. It is patently obvious what is happening here.

But thats nothing, nothing compared to the way in which Republicans have decided to take the fight to their own country. Democrats are sneered at as "east coast politicians" and "elitists." Republicans are creating a narrative in which half (well, more than half if you've seen the latest polls) of the country are "not like us." Its worse than culture war. Its hating your neighbor. Its social civil war.

I challenge any Republican to make the case that what Obama, or the democrats, have done this year is anywhere near as bad. It simply is not so.

The media is not against McCain. Where did you hear about Wright, Ayers, and Rezko? The media. There are no unanswered questions - Obama's relationship with these people has been well detailed. Take it or leave it, consider it important or not, the story is out there, and its complete. But thats not enough for Republicans. They need to hear "terrorist!" in response to the name of their American opponent.

All I can say, is that you had better get it out of your systems now. We face the biggest crisis of our lifetimes. Every aspect of this country is in serious trouble, and we need to get it together come January. There isn't going to be any time to call people radicals and terrorists and get upset about small town values in 2009. And Democrats continue to conduct themselves as they have in this campaign, then they aren't going to be wasting time spreading lies or smears about their opponents.

You're Americans. Act like it.

Republicans will never get it out of their system. Hate has become the be-all and end-all of Republicanism. The party is the party of hate, purveyed in the name of God, but hate nonetheless. The Party knows nothing beyond its hate. When they win an election they practice vengence on the losers. When they lose their hate is intensified.

The Party will never give up the only thing it knows. Ever.

Were you frightened by a Republican when you were very small, Stevelet?

The Republicans are at a turning point. They can either accept their situation and rehabilitate themselves, or they can go the way of the Dixiecrats. McCain used to represent that redemption. Certain people like Arlen Specter, Michael Bloomberg, and James Baker still do. Despite Palin's best efforts, I do believe that there are Republicans out there who have actually thought hard about what it means to put "country first."

America, the idea, won't work with the current version of Republicanism which elevates anti-intellectualism, personal attacks, and lies. Our situation today makes that frighteningly clear. We are facing some tough times ahead, and tough times have a way of weeding out those who are unhelpful.

Ann Coulter, Giuliani, and Palin won't be able to draw a crowd screaming about who hates america and doesn't go to church enough while Americans are having trouble filling up their cars to get to there each sunday.

No, McCain and Palin frighten us. Their willingness to use the vilest of tactics. Their willingness to abandon any semblence of factual debate. And their willingness to not only not seek to quell the voices of hatred, but to fan that hatred is truly frightening.

Does that mean that if McCain/Palin are elected that those of us whom they deem 'terrorists" are going to be rounded up and sent to gitmo?

Or will they just let loose the lynch mobs that are what now passes for a GOP political rally?

Ann Coulter, Giuliani, and Palin won't be able to draw a crowd screaming about who hates america and doesn't go to church enough while Americans are having trouble filling up their cars to get to there each sunday

I disagree. Throughout history and even in places like the Zimbabwe of today, it is precisely WHEN citizens are having trouble filling up their cars or putting food on the table, that demagouges are MOST able to draw crowds screaming with spittle fogged fury.

THAT is what is so frightening and despicable about McCain's current approach.

You're not wrong degsme, and I'm very concerned about that too. But I'm not going to write off half of my own country. I would never stoop as low as the Republicans now have.

You're hysterical.

The arrogance and condescending in this thread is nauseating.

Obama is a socialist who will disarm our country, appease our enemys encouraging aggression, and lead us into depression with his tax policies. If that is what you want, then vote for the guy. have at it.

No, thats ridiculous. And it proves my point. I'm not being arrogant, I'm being serious. Thats what Republicans have missed in this election. This is the most serious time we've faced since the Cold War, and Republicans want to change the subject to anything that does not have us talking about the need to fix our foreign and economic policy. So you call "condescension" as if such a reaction is appropriate to the discussion.

I know that you know that what you said is not true - spin and punditry. Thats whats going on here.

oldmanriver:

Obama is a socialist who will disarm our country, appease our enemys encouraging aggression, and lead us into depression with his tax policies. If that is what you want, then vote for the guy. have at it.

Like jwschmidt said,

"This is what the end of the Bush era looks like - a turning point that will either lead to Republicans learning from their mistakes and returning as a wiser and more likeable party, or a descent into jingoistic know-nothingism."

We can tell which path you're taking.

Republicans and the Palin-centric part of the McCain campaign have been the purveyors of the most divisive and negative message I have ever seen in my life

The truth about Obama is pretty negative. Sorry that the truth hurts, and that it's divisive, but it's still the truth. Deal with it. If you Dems wanted a more positive campaign you shouldn't have picked such a toxic candidate! (Truthfully, and in your defense, you did pick a better candidate. Hillary won the popular vote and was robbed Affirmative-Action style by the DNC and the Stupordelegates. Water under the bridge at this point though...)

WHAT truth?

"If that is what you want, then vote for the guy. have at it."

Ok, I think I will! Thanks for the advice, and have fun on Election Day!

WHAT truth?

Ayers, Rezko, ACORN, 2nd Amendment, Joyce Foundation, Jeremiah Wright, Marxism. It's all ugly, and it's all true.