McCain Takes the Lead in Reuters/Zogby Poll

It's a five point lead in this prominent poll. Here is the link. The Obama side whines about political attacks. In my view, McCain is effectively running a political campaign that needs to "attack" and to contrast, especially given the Obama refusal to take up McCain's offer of a series of joint townhall appearances. What the Obama campaign would have obviously preferred is that his heretofore "frontrunner" status would have been left untouched by any negative contrast.

The issue of so-called political attack raises a moral question for Catholics and other Christians. The virtues of fortitude and prudence combine to make it necessary in many situations to set the record straight on matters of vital importance. Sloppy, false, and sometimes slanderous views are put on the record in many situations in life, in and out of politics. You see the problem occur often in theological disputes between Catholics and non-Catholics and even among Catholics themselves. It is perfectly moral to state the truth forcefully and to point out what is specious or false in a position, whether in politics or theology, by citing evidence for one's so-called "attack." If that's "attack," then make the most of it. In contrast, what I call unfair "attack" would include statements that are focused on personal slander (known as ad hominem attacks). We have seen none of that from the McCain camp. I would also include in the category of unfair "attack" statements that are clearly superficial and not based on serious research. They are mere appeals to irrational bias and fear. Again, in my view, we have seen none of that from the McCain camp.