Without question, one of the key reasons for Bush?s weak showing in the polls during most of this election season has been the constant slamming of the George Soros-type 527 groups. These folks have lied about and slimed the president?s record. And their assault has dwarfed that of the Swift boat veterans. Before the Swiftees came on the national scene, nine of the ten wealthiest 527 campaign groups were Democratic. Only the conservative-leaning Club for Growth made the list of the top-ten soft-money political advocacy groups.
The Swiftees, however, are catching up. So far, the Swift boat veterans have done most of their damage with less than a million bucks. But now Washington insiders say the group will be backed by Progress America, a 527 organization that has already raised about $25 million.
Well, let the games begin. American politics is a bloodsport. As we are learning, these political charges and counter charges can have a significant impact on the race. Good. Voters all around the country will decide about the merits of the 527 campaign ads, and take their conclusions to the voting booth. The candidates may not like it, but they have to take it. It goes with the territory.
Actually, I would go so far as to suggest that the assault on John Kerry by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth has electrified this race, creating far more interest than had previously been the case. Instead of stifling political perspectives, government should get out of the way -- then we can have a full hearing of all points of view.
On that first Tuesday of November, the voters will decide.