Joe Conason, like most of us on the left simply don't get it. If Americans were fact based, Republicans would have no chance in this election or any others. The fact is that we are a nation that responds largely to symbols and perceptions; facts are merely something easily ignored. Republicans take these meaningless symbols and use them superbly to get us to ignore the reality of their failed policies and concentrate on pure bullshit such as tough little hockey moms or Obama calling Palin a pig when he wasn't even referring to her. This crap is taken seriously by the media, while our imploding economy, which was caused by deregulation and the global economy they so love becomes a side issue. The Treasury rescue of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is simply the latest example of today's economy wherein profit from this deregulated financial system is privatized while debt, caused by these same policies blowing up in their faces, becomes socialized and yet Americans just go along with it with nary a peep. The GOP has a genius for getting people to forget such important matters and concentrate on made up incidents which the media are all too willing to cover instead of the many real problems this country seems so unwilling to face. In a Democracy, the people get the government they deserve and until more of us become informed and actively involved, the downward course of this nation will continue.

You'll get the Government you deserve if the unqualified Obama is elected. George Bush has protected this Country from attack since 9/11 ... that will "change" if Osama is elected.