...ain't the nature of politics.

I'd like to see a politician running for president run a completely clean campaign some day. It won't happen, I know. But he/she could start by admitting that the opponent is well-qualified. And is a good American. But that they disagree only on some issues. And on many things, they agree. And the opponents would tell what they like about each other. More so than what they dislike. In fact, they might even say they'd consider putting his/her opponent in his/her cabinet. In other words, to take advantage of the opponent's expertise. The idea is to get above the fray. At least to some extent. Like John McCain might be able to salvage his losing campaign by announcing that he's tired of being a Republican. He'd rather declare that he's an independent. And that he'd just as soon dump Sarah Palin from the ticket. Because he made a bad choice. But now he'd like to correct the error of his way. I might even consider voting for McCain under those circumstances. Although, I'm more likely to stick with Barack Obama. I like Obama, in part, because he's been considerably less negative than McCain and Palin. Of course, he's been negative, too. But maybe only 33 percent negative. Compared to almost 100 percent negative for McCain and Palin in recent weeks. I guess most -- if not all -- politicians just figure they can't win by being honest. And by being nice and respectful of one's opponent. That just ain't the nature of politics. --Jim Broede