The distortion of a competing candidate's record runs rampant in a political campaign.
When effective, it can mean that the best candidate loses.
Example: Candidates opposing John McCain cite his Senate vote against reducing taxes, yet deliberately fail to mention that he did so because the Bill was loaded with expensive pork barrel earmarks tacked onto the proposed legislation.
Clearly McCain is against wasteful spending and had the courage to act accordingly.
Had the Bill been clean of wasteful spending he'd have voted for it.
During the days before Michigan's Primary vote, I received three phone calls from Romney campaigners, the last, an automated call from Romney. He and his followers worked overtime to win Michigan by smearing McCain.
Every one of the calls lambasted McCain's tax vote with no mention of why he voted as he did.
The phone calls were deceptive.
McCain's vote was courageous, demonstrating the leadership quality we must have in the President of the United States.

"a long lesson in humility.'
QUOTE BY JAMES M. BARRIE (1860-1937)

"and that's your own self." QUOTE BY ALDOUS HUXLEY (1894-1963)

"has something yet to learn." QUOTE BY GEORGE SANTAYANA (1863-1952)

Our open system is the best in the world!
It is far better than in countries with no freedom to choose one's government leaders, or where voters are manipulated and/or restricted by those in power.
Our toleration of free election tactics will be tested during the months ahead as U.S. voters cast ballots.
We'll squabble and debate.
We'll try to sort truth from fiction.
We'll be annoyed with unwanted campaigner phone calls and mail.
But in the end, it is we the people who will decide, not a tyrant or dictator; and that's the way it is in a country where individuals live free to think for themselves.