Why it's not a good idea to go with the Palin affair rumors:

(At least, not yet.)

Old Rove strategy: When handling a politician who's got a bunch of skeletons in his closet (like Bush), defuse the many scandals' impact entirely by deliberately setting-up and spreading a phony scandal. This phony scandal is then later and very publicly proven false, generating sympathy for the corrupt Repub, and undermining any and all questions regarding the actual scandals.

Very possibly I'm wrong, but this scenario has happened in the past.

2 months before the elections, you don't want to spread false rumors and then debunk them, as a trick.

Most people will still believe it to be true, especially if sex is involved.

This gal has got a whole lot of policy issues.

The fact that she's not camera ready....means that she's not White House ready.

John McCain really did a diservice to his country with that choice. :( :patriot:

2 months before the elections, you don't want to spread false rumors and then debunk them, as a trick.

Most people will still believe it to be true, especially if sex is involved.

When news of something embarassing to the admin was nearing the end of the investigation (by media) the white house would release two or three phony scandals and when the real one came out people didn't believe it.

... so it's ever so wondrously out of our hands.

p.s. sweet irony.

I totally get you.

I think that strategy works out in different ways but the republicans are using
1) novelty
2) irresponsible vetting
3) a family issue that could be easily taken care of with a press release

Drudge was involved clearly over the weekend. Someone mentioned that the moment stuff popped up on Kos, Drudge put a link on it. By Monday morning there was a "Mcain vs. Media" top link.

The web favors these tactics through anonymity, and the illogical equation of Blog Post and comments with Mainstream column/News Show comments.

I don't think this atmosphere benefits anyone, or could be used effectively by progressives. It's scary to see how it worked this week.

We have more important things to do, like defeat John McCain (who, in case someone didn't notice, is actually the Republican nominee).

Granted, if the Enquirer report turns out to be true, I'll be happy to make some popcorn and enjoy the show. But it's their concern, not mine.

and it's about the ISSUES.

inimitable way.

Supposedly they have been working on the Palin stories for awhile but only recently have they become 'topical'.

This should be fun to watch.