No, I'm saying that there are things the press and commentators jump on or distort, and they've done this for as long as the US has had politics.

If you wish to debate or discuss policy, it's best to do it without presenting the opposing side as some kind of straw man or caricature. Treat both sides as if they are thoughtful and intelligent, and the discussion will go farther and deeper. Besides, it's just good journalism.

If we want to start counting the lies that Obama tells and the lies that McCain tells or has told, that's another discussion. You want to have it, then have it. But I don't want to be in the role of a McCain defender. But that discussion wouldn't be new politics.

Nevertheless, let's start there. I hear the words 'new politics', let's get this term defined. And do we the citizens have a role in this other than just casting a vote? Perhaps we have to think and discuss things differently than before also.