The first time I was politically active was during the Eugene McCarthy campaign, followed by the Humphrey campaign. That was the first year I distributed information, discussed issues with others and, of course, the first time I voted. And we lost.

Those campaigns, however, and those subsequent to them, were primarily about political concerns: taxes, the War in Viet Nam, preserving Social Security, civil rights… really important things.

This year, the issues are becoming alarmingly strange: does one candidate believe that Jesus and Satan were brothers?; will we invade Iran because of 9/11?; is Barack Obama black enough?; Were the former mayor of New York’s adulterous indiscretions and unfortunate friendships consistent with Republican moral beliefs?; Is Fred Thompson really into campaigning?

While the Democrats seem more into major issues than the Republicans, who are more into fear and morality, everything on both sides is becoming more and more personal. Who is campaigning with whom? Oprah, Chelsea, Tim Robbins? Aren’t other politicians the top campaign helpers this time? It doesn’t seem like it.

Maybe after Iowa things will get more toward normal.

Under The LobsterScope

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