May (insert your deity of choice) help us

I've been a pol junkie since I was a middle schooler supporting Reagan's re-election in 1984. Eventually I grew up, went to college and as the late great Bill Hicks would say "squeegeed my third eye."

Like many DUers I like to think of myself as someone who is knowledgeable about politics and history. But the last 7 days have been pretty illuminating for me. Turns out, I didn't know as much as I thought.

The level of venom in the last week from McCain, his surrogates and the right wing media is something I didn't account for in this election. I thought they would go there with Ayers and Wright, but I never expected their base to receive it with so much intensity.

We have sheriffs spouting slurs at rallies, aspiring first ladies attacking her husband's opponent, unheard of in modern presidential politics, people calling for Obama's head, people shouting "kill him".

There have been isolated outbreaks of hatred like the realtor's sign in NC that got some attention this week.

We have 26 days to go. I can't imagine how ugly it will get by Nov. 4.

Stay frosty everyone. We will prevail, but it's going to be a bumpy ride.

downright scary!!! How is McCain and his female "pit bull" getting away with it???