McCain has been very Teflonesque, and the media seems as terrified of going after him with his war hero status, as they are enthralled by the novelty and celebrity of Obama.

I don't know that the general election voter will be bothered by negative campaigning at all this year. First, everyone knows that negative campaigning gets used because it is very effective. Second, enough political strategists know that while voters say they dislike negative campaigning, when they step into the booth, they vote based upon how effective it has been. Third, and this is one I hope I am right about, Obama playing hardball might be just the bullseye he needs to target voters who are unsure of his leadership and character.

In tough times, people want tough leaders, not celebrity arugula eaters.