[francisandbeans]

After this comment, can John Ashcroft be exempt from the "no smearing" rule?

[steve-b]

After this comment, can John Ashcroft be exempt from the "no smearing" rule?

If it's the truth, or can be reasonably advanced as the truth based on the evidence, it's not a smear. For instance, stating that Clinton is corrupt, a habitual liar, a sexual predator, etc. is not a smear -- there are plenty of clear indications for all of the above.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

After this comment, can John Ashcroft be exempt from the "no smearing" rule?

I think that no public official should be exempt from smearing, including Ol' Beaver-Face Ashcroft. His opinion of opponents of the USSA-Patriot-in-Name-Only act probably makes Janet Reno hot.