Not defending Bill, but I wish we'd heard even once such MSM outrage at much worse from Rove

[DeepModem Mom]

When Karl Rove played down and dirty -- when for example, in the state of South Carolina, McCain's adopted daughter became an illegitimate black child -- it was mentioned in the press, but lost amid the praise for Rove as a brilliant political tactician. Rove and Bush could do no wrong.

Two wrongs don't make a right, and I have no desire to defend what has happened to our historic campaign offering America a woman and a black man as candidates for President. But I see a double standard from the press once more, which we should not ignore -- because this will not be the last time we see it in this Election Year '08.

[JohnnyLib2]

1. Wisest OP of the night, IMO ---thanks.

If only, if only the Roviavellian stuff had gotten more scrutiny. Perhaps the "internets" have made the difference in the last few years?

[ben_meyers]

2. Whatever else he may be Karl Rove

Is not a former President of the United States with a spouse running for that same position.

[havocmom]

3. Rove - political hack and avowed dirty trickster.

Bill Clinton - former US President.

The standard is and probably should be a bit higher for the latter. ;)

I wish MSM had been willing to just tell the truth about bush in 2000.

[hollowdweller]

4. The internet wasn't as big of a factor back then.

[EffieBlack]

5. Hear, hear!!!

[gumby]

6. MSM Playbook:

Rove....off record...spicy, juicy tid-bits.

Clinton.....always WRONG.

Pulllleeezzzeee, the MSM has ALWAYS HATTED the Clintons.

The evidence is CLEAR!!!!!

[Avalux]

7. It's different. Rove isn't a former president; not married to the candidate.

I understand what you're trying to say, but everyone needs to understand that anytime Bill Clinton gets in front of a microphone and opens his mouth, it's gonna get a lot of press. When what he says is negative, it's amplified because of who he is.

Rove was always in the background pulling the strings so it was difficult to pin anything on him. Bush never dragged Rove out on stage with him or sent him stumping.

[DeepModem Mom]

8. That's true. I think a lot of the commentary, however, has focused on the tactics...

themselves -- I heard on MSNBC talk about "playing by the rules." That's what got me thinking about this because it struck me that, of course, the Bushies have NEVER played by the rules of politics (or governance). Pat Buchanan is defending the tactics. Pat, a minority of one on MSNBC, seems to think that in politics anything goes, and that's okay.