It is a sad reality of American politics that many races are won in the last days by negative campaigning.  This is particularly damaging for Black candidates.  We have only to look to the failed bids of Tom Bradley in California, Harvey Gantt in North Carolina, and most recently, Harold Ford in Tennessee.  Just when we think we have won on merit, the Black candidate gets sucker-punched by a negative campaign ad that flips the advantage by introducing doubts, fears, and taboos.

This time McCain has telegraphed the sucker punch -- with a twist.  For the very first time in the campaign, Sarah Palin has been let off the leash to lead the attack with accusations that Obama has been "palling around with terrorists."  She has resurrected the associations wth Bill Ayers, as well as Jeremiah Wright -- as McCain asks, "Do we really know this man, Barack Obama?"

Obama didn't take the bait by responding with an attack against Sarah Palin.  That is the ultimate indiscretion for a Black man -- to attack a White woman.  Instead, the Obama campaign has released a video casting similar doubts about the character of John McCain.  Check it out at http://www.keatingeconomics.com/.

For a more complete look at the background of John McCain, and how he is motivated, read:

Make-Believe Maverick

by: Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stone

Illustration: Paul Giambarba / t r u t h o u t)

     A closer look at the life and career of John McCain reveals a disturbing record of recklessness and dishonesty.

 It is unfortunate that this campaign must be reduced these types of attacks, but we will see more of this.  And we must fight fire with fire.  the Obama campaign refuses to fall victim to "swift boat attacks."  All of us must be armed with ammunition to fight back.  All of this information is tainted, however.  It is constructed for poitical advantage -- including half truths and innuendo. 

In the final days of the campaign, whoever speaks last and loudest has the final impact on the vote.  If it is character that the Republicans want to use as their final attack, here is what we have to fight back with.  Use this information with discretion.

The gloves are off.  It will get bloody out there.  Protect yourself at all times.