This was written on Tuesday and is even more appropriate today.

[AZBlue]

The Democrats need to be careful about the intensity of their criticism of Sarah Palin.

She may look like an easy target, an appalling lightweight who will send serious voters scurrying to the more substantive Obama-Biden ticket. And the temptation to get on her case probably became greater with Ms. Palin’s disclosure Monday that her 17-year-old daughter is pregnant.

But the Democrats should not push this stuff too far. Ms. Palin is a lot more appealing personally than the often testy guy at the top of her ticket. And the inescapable reality is that there are millions of voters who identify with her, and may be quick to resent attacks that they perceive as bullying or overkill.

Here’s the deal: Palin is the latest G.O.P. distraction. She’s meant to shift attention away from the real issue of this campaign — the awful state of the nation after eight years of Republican rule. The Republicans are brilliant at distractions. Willie Horton was a distraction. The chatter about gays, guns and God has been a long-running distraction. And we all remember the Swift-boat campaign.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/opinion/02herbert.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Attacking her voice, her children, her hair, etc. doesn't do anything to help Obama and Biden; with some voters it will actually hurt their chances. And it's a waste of our time, time that should be spent more intelligently working to take back the White House.

There's plenty to attack this woman on real issues: her lack of experience, her dreadful environmental record, her hatred of wildlife, her budgetary mismanagement as mayor, her current investigation, her ties to the oil industry - the list goes on and on. She's a nightmare and the truth shows that.

Focus on the economy, employment, health care, senior care, and the issues that affect people from day to day. Show how Obama and Biden are going to improve the voter's life and you'll win over that voter.

I'm angry as hell after last night and I'm not only doing my regular volunteer stuff but I'm also approaching everyone I know and pointing out that if they don't volunteer and donate, they'll have no room for complaint if there should be a President McCain next January. But I want us all to use our time wisely, to not fall for any GOP traps and tricks and to WIN THIS DAMN THING!

Thank you for listening. :hi:

[lurky]

1. How about attacking her lies?

Not just a few lies, but a whole pattern of lies.

And how about abuse of power?

And yes, I think her personal life is fair game, inasmuch as it shows her hypocrisy regarding teen pregnancy, children with disabilities, and yes, her lies (she actually tried to hide her daughter's pregnancy while running for national office?) If it's good enough for John Edwards, then she should be able to stand the same scrutiny.

Sure, she's receiving a lot of attention for a VP candidate, but remember: If McCain wins, there is a much higher-than-average probability that Palin will become president. It's important that the public knows just who this person is before they cast their votes.

[AZBlue]

2. Of course.

How do you know if Sarah Palin's lying? Her mouth is moving.

(yeah, it's lame - but it's accurate!)