One of the biggest problems that we have in the United States is the lack of civility in our political discourse.  The purpose of politics is to make decisions that will effect each of our lives.  Thus, the focus should be on the issues which politicians must vote, rather than on silly gamesmanship.  We should be able to have discourse without acrimony and without each side waiting for the other side to make a misstatement that can be misused for political advantage.

While both candidates claim to be reformers, both campaigns have been engaging in politics as usual.  It is a disservice both to the candidates and the American people.

The latest example is the professed outrage over Obama's comment that "you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig."  I listened to Obama's speech and it is clear that he was referring to his views of John McCain's policies, not Gov. Palin or even McCain himself.  Ironically, when I was listening to Obama's speech I was thinking how he could more precisely make his point rather than the drawn out lead up before the lipstick comment.  I thought of the very same quote a moment before Obama said it.  A few seconds later, I though - oh no, now this is all we are going to hear about tomorrow.

It is appropriate to criticize the policies of the other candidate, that it what campaigns should be about.  It may also be appropriate to criticize the behavior of the other candidate that is inconsistent with their position.  For example, Rep. Charlie Rangel of New York is the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee.  He has been an outspoken advocate of raising taxes on the "rich."  It was revealed this week that Rep. Rangel has not paid taxes on $75,000 of income received for a house he owns in the Dominican Republic.   He is also currently undergoing an ethics investigation for renting 4 apartments at below market rates.   That from the man who has the most control over tax policy of any member of Congress.  Has anyone noticed that Nancy Pelosi has forgotten the phrase "culture of corruption" now that it is Democrats who are having ethics issues.

Ironically, the common tactic of both parties is to accuse the other side of "going negative" whenever a candidate's record is discussed.  Honestly relating your opponents voting record is not "going negative" - it is exactly where the debate should be focused.

The American people would be far better served if both sides stopped playing gotcha politics and instead focused on the real issues in this election.  Do you want a larger government or a smaller government?  Should we raise taxes on the "rich" and redistribute that money to people who don't pay any taxes at all?  Do we want more energy exploration?  Do the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan make us safer? 

By focusing on gotcha politics we only guarantee more of the same.  While Pres. Bush's popularity is remarkably low, the ratings of Congress are even lower.  Simply put, while the skirmishes may be temporarily entertaining and they may be welcomed by extremists on the right and left, the American people are getting sick of such tactics by both sides.

The next time a statement is made that "could be" sexist or racist, etc., etc., etc., the allegedly aggrieved party should simply come out and say - "I know he/she did not intend for it to be taken like that - lets get back to the issues."  Such a response would be well received by the vast majority of voters.