When Lipstick made pigs fly

Obama accuses McCain campaign of 'lies'
you2gov.com - Wednesday, September 10 2008

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In response to the Republican Convention, and the attempt to transform our image of the ruling party of the last eight years into a party of change; Obama said: "You can put lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig. You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change. It's still going to stink after eight years."

He's right about the last eight years stinking. I believe he's also right that McCain is more of the same...on issues of women, health, and children McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time in his career, according to Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards (daughter of former Democratic Texas Governor Ann Richards). But, McCain immediately saw an opportunity to get more attention focused on fundamentalist conservatives newfound love for Sarah Palin, rather than his attempt to steal the Democratic ticket's promises and campaign tactics. Feigning offense on behalf of Sarah Palin (as if she needs people jumping to her defense), he drops the "sexism" card.

Obama has to respond, but he has to be careful about taking on the debate. If the Republicans goal is to distract from the issues, engaging them in this pointless conversation is likely to just exacerbate the situation.

I find myself wondering how low political "onelinery" will take us before we can start talking about the issues, instead of what is sure to be an upcoming frenzied volley of accusations and headline grabbers.

Let's get into details about how to fix our healthcare system, and better protect our low and middle class from the quickly rising costs and the rapidly falling number of jobs with reasonable medical coverage.

Let's talk about energy policy. Alternative energy. Let's even talk about drilling and the true costs of dependence on oil.

Let's put aside the fake outrage and attention grabbing "news" and make an effort to communicate the real plans of both parties. Let's help America make dreams soar, whether with or without lipstick.