What's the best defense?

Obviously, it's going on the offensive, even if totally wrong.

I remember John Lewis from my years living in Atlanta. He is a very respectable man, and if he calls out the McCain campaign then you should pay attention. It doesn't matter he's a black man, his commentary isn't racially motivated. He isn't calling McCain supporters racist -- he doesn't have to, because their own words speak volumes.

I understand McCain's rhetoric is just that -- rhetoric. Obama isn't the anti-christ they make him out to be, and neither is McCain evil (despite his tactics). Both men can do the job, it's just a question of who you think best represents your interests.

But to many of the people who are attending these rallies, they are so fearful -- outright scared -- what McCain has done is associate that fear to a person: Obama. He's the one they should blame, not the current administration. He's convinced them that if Obama is elected the world will end. While some of us know that's not literally true (i.e., it's just campaign rhetoric) many people aren't as skilled at critical thinking. They tend to believe what they're told, especially if their favorite politician is telling them.

Of course they would see Obama as a Muslin, a terrorist, a socialist (or communist, take your pick). He's going to eat their babies and make them stand in long lines to see a doctor. Of course, I'm exaggerating about that long lines thing. Heh.

The rhetoric is intended to energize the base, and it has worked. All anyone is saying is to recognize when you've gone far enough, and stop lathering up the crowd. If you don't, then pretty soon they'll become a mob and do something bad. After that, everyone loses.