The Definition Of A Smear

I am getting tired of all the whining from these politicians. He smeared me, no, he smeared me.

The latest:

John McCain has been using "smear" tactics, Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama says today in a pre-recorded interview that will go on the air during CNN's The Situation Room (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET).

Specifically, says Obama, it is "offensive, and I think it's disappointing" for McCain to say that Hamas would prefer that Obama be elected in November.

"John McCain always says 'I am not going to run that kind of politics,' and to engage in that kind of smear is unfortunate, particularly because my policy toward Hamas has been no different than his," Obama tells Wolf Blitzer.

That is just one example, I could go on and on. I got a suggestion for all these politicians- grow up.

First, let's look at what "smear" means:

... 4.to sully, vilify, or soil (a reputation, good name, etc.).

... 12.vilification: a smear by a cheap gossip columnist.

Was McCain "smearing" Obama when he said Hamas prefers Obama? No. Hamas does prefer Obama:

During an interview on WABC radio Sunday, top Hamas political adviser Ahmed Yousef said the terrorist group supports Obama’s foreign policy vision.

“We don’t mind–actually we like Mr. Obama. We hope he will (win) the election and I do believe he is like John Kennedy, great man with great principle, and he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community but not with domination and arrogance,” Yousef said in response to a question about the group’s willingness to meet with either of the Democratic presidential candidates.

This is not a "smear". It is a fact. McCain was not soiling Obama's reputation. He was stating a fact. If Obama does not like it, he should blame himself. He is the one that has been the weakest on Terrorism, so it only stands to reason that Hamas would chose him.

As I stated, this is just one example out of hundreds. With all the candidates taking both sides on this topic.

Let me give you an example of a smear. If I said McCain hates America. That is a smear. It is untrue and there is nothing out there to support it.

If I said McCain is old. That is a fact. While I am not saying he is too old to be President, the fact is he would be the oldest one ever. That is not a smear.

Of course I have taken issue with a few things that while factual, should not have been said. Like the ass that said something about McCain's teeth looking funny. That is a fact, not a smear. The only thing is, his mouth was practically destroyed while in a POW camp in Vietnam. So while this was not a smear, it was improper to say. Should McCain whine about this being said? No. He should simply present the fact that they were damaged in the POW camp, and let the people decide whether this should disqualify him to be President.

Politicians, if you do not want damaging facts to be brought out about you, do not do anything that would be considered damaging. If something is brought out about you, and it is true, acknowledge it.

Stop crying.