The race to the White House is getting dirty.

John McCain's military service, and especially his conduct as a POW makes him a true American hero. His conduct was so far 'above and beyond' that it ought to be the legend we perpetuate. His service to this country as a United States Senator certainly qualifies him to run for the office of President. Recent comments by Retired General Wesley Clark acknowledging McCain's heroism but questioning McCain's executive qualifications based on his POW experience are irrelevant.

Remember the Swift Boat Veterans smear campaign against John Kerry? 'Twas John McCain who condemned these kinds of attacks in 2004 when he called the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth 'dishonest and dishonorable.' What a difference 4 years makes. SBV has been renamed and extended, under the leadership of Bud Day, as the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation. Smear merchant Bud Day now works for John McCain.[1]

Batten down the hatches, the level of the debate doesn't look like it's set to improve.