I believe in the Environment. That's why I'm standing in front of a river

The Daily Show did a piece about Ohio Democratic Senate candidate Paul Hackett – an Iraq war Marine vet – which skewered the Democratic party as being too meek.

When Clinton had a sub-50% personal approval, and 60% job approval rating, Republicans continually referred to him as “unpopular”. With Bush at 34% job approval, it’s pretty much Feingold and nobody else saying Bush is unpopular.

Hackett was a good sport, and accepted Ed Helms’ “help” with his ad campaign. Hackett looked right into the camera and passionately stated why he was running, and why people should vote for him. Helms stepped in and gave direction to Hackett, but the direction was almost what you’d expect the Washington Dem leadership to be telling Dem candidates throughout the country.

Things like – “zazz it down a little, and we’re going to need to lose that” – “that” being a “Marines” sign.

So, Hackett does it in his living room, and Helms says, “good, but you’re going to need to lose the emotion.” He starts saying his spiel robotically, and Helms says “Yesss!”

Then the phony ad.

HELMS VO: Paul Hackett has courage:

HACKETT: Some have alleged that our president led us to war on false pretenses.

HELMS VO: And caution

HACKETT: I believe we should look into this.

CUT TO HACKETT STANDING IN A FIELD WITH A SMALL CHILD

HELMS VO: He take principled stands.

HACKETT: I’m in favor of agriculture.

And adorable children.

CUT TO HACKETT STANDING IN FRONT OF A RIVER

HACKETT: I believe we should take care of our environment. That’s why I’m standing in front of a river.

HELMS VO: Paul Hackett for US Senate. Because he won’t rock the boat

FAST VO: Paid for by people who don’t know what they’re doing and are scared sh**less of making strong choices.

It was absolutely brilliant. The national Dem leaders need to start getting their act together. As 2004 showed us, widespread angst over national and international issues can’t defeat Swift Boat slander.