The clean campaign

It is no question that in our culture and society, rhetoric will always trump reason. This could not be more apparent than in this democratic primary of 2008 and the perceptions of voters, behavior of both candidate's campaigns and subsequent portrayal in Main Stream Media.

One of the biggest talking points I have seen over this weekend, particularly in response to the unfolding Jeremiah Wright scandal, is a general negative feeling towards the Clinton campaign for overly negative and slanderous tactics. It is said that the Obama campaign, as it gears up for what it calls a ""full assault" on Senator Clinton, has run on the message of "hope" and "unity," attempting to create a contrast with their constructed image of the other candidate. So before we witness what the Obama campaign is warning will be a "full assault" on Clinton's character, let's see what their former campaign of hope-and-unity™ has said.

"Obama depicted Clinton as a calculating, poll-tested divisive figure who will only inspire greater partisan divisions as she sides with Republicans on issues like trade, the role of lobbyists in politics and national security. At the same time, he elevated McCain, fresh off victory in Florida’s crucial primary, as the likely Republican nominee.

"Obama accused Hillary of not putting 'honesty first.' "The real choice in this election is between conventional Washington thinking that prizes posture and positioning, or real change that puts judgment and honesty first."

In addition, Obama and his campaign have called Hillary "disingenuous," "too polarizing to win," "divisive," "untruthful," "dishonest" "calculating," "saying and doing whatever it takes to win," "attempting to deceive the American people," "one of the most secretive politicians in America," "literally willing to do anything to win," and "playing politics with war."

Going even farther, they have blanketed states with negative radio advertisements and mailers which have been debunked repeatedly as misleading and often down right wrong! They have attributed Hillary's major primary victories to racism while he repeatedly uses sexist language and imagery.

The discussion of representing "unity" verses "division" deserves it's own commentary, but I find it very telling that Michelle Obama, when asked if she would support Hillary Clinton if she were the party's nominee said that she "would have to think about it"

Sex, shame and solidarity.

Is there really so little going on in the World that Eliot Spitzer's sexual affairs should be dominating the news broadcasts? Maybe something like a war, or an economic recession? Who am I kidding, nothing makes for better news than a respected democrat leader caught with his pants down.

Prostitution is illegal in New York and I believe the negative attention he receives for knowingly breaking a law (which he dedicated much of his career to enforcing) is justified. That being said, I find the "sex scandal" that is erupting on news broadcasts, websites and blogs disheartening. While I would not expect the Main Stream Media to direct its focus on either the rights and wellbeing of sex workers or the exploitation of women, I am disappointed that the "story" is being made of his wife's reaction or lack thereof.

I am appalled that it should come to be an issue whether or not a wife (or husband) would publicly stand beside their partner when apologizing for adultery. This has even become a point of contention amongst Democrats as some feel that Hillary Clinton's continued relationship with her husband was a "let down" for women across the country. Personally, I feel that women are "let down" when they let their lives and their relationships become a commodity. I feel that women are "let down" when they are publicly scrutinized for their private relationships of which we know next to nothing about. I feel that women AND men are let down when we encourage and support the concept of sexual ownership. I feel that America is let down when people can't define their own relationships, goals, expectations and sexuality.

Mostly, I just feel like shouting "WHO THE HELL CARES?!" off of my rooftop. Maybe someday this sort of public scandal will be used a spring board to discuss human trafficking, male privilege or sex workers rights... maybe in Europe.