My point was that all of our top politicians should be given a chance to lead and not be brought down by cheap jokes, dirty dticks or an occasional personal public gaffe.

We have heard about the regional (Southern) pronunciation of "nuclear" and endless jokes about pretzels. We are told that George W. Bush has a "smirk" on his face and looks like a chimpanzee.

One of Clinton's operatives organised a group of people who threw broccoli at george Bush when he was giving campaign speeches.

The same people who pull this stuff are demanding that we talk more about policy. Perhaps it is a little too late for that.