But do we really need to get down to the level of the politicians? Maybe, just maybe, if more people would try being civil and not name-calling others, especially politicians they don't happen to like or agree with, it might trickle up? Who knows, it can't hurt to try.

I do know that if I see a negative campaign, I will let that politician or party know I find those tactics objectionable. Amazingly, sometimes I even get a response. Does it change the behavior? Not yet, but, again, if everyone would let them know via email, letters, phone calls, that their ad, comment, etc. is objectionable (especially if affiliated with that party), it might start making a difference. Ditto for letting columnists know that there are better ways to get their point across than just using slurs, innuendo, etc.

No matter what, I can see no reason for an individual to promulgate the use of objectionable "nicknames" and the like to show their displeasure for another person -- whether just an individual or a politician. Most of learned by 3rd grade that calling someone a name was not okay. What makes it okay in a political venue?