K-Lo, for those of us not in the hazily undecided bloc of voters, our feelings about the nastiness of the campaign can circle around how our candidate is treated. I’ve learned this week that some national reporters thought the Swift Boat ads were “evil.” They’re upset that everyone just doesn’t accept Kerry as dashing war hero, especially since liberal reporters don’t usually fall for dashing war heroes.

By contrast, Bush fans are bracing for whatever space-aliens-ate-my-Buick tales (like Laura-Bush-as-pot-dealer tales) that come from Kitty Kelley. We might be shocked that anyone would assume that Bush’s conversion story is a fraud, that he didn’t quite overcome alcoholism and whatever “young and irresponsible” drug use lurks in his young adult life.

But if you’re talking history, this year is not unprecedented in its negativity, even if it feels that way. I suspect people have already forgotten the sleazy moments of 2000, both before and after the votes were cast.