Moral Values: Tastes Great! Less Filling!

Over the past week or so we have been bombarded by a back-and-forth between the folks who truly believe that moral values were a big factor and the folks who think it is all a pile of crap. What's the deal here?

I will admit right up front that I don't have a bunch of polling data to point to or any insider information, but it is my suspicion that the real answer is like the electoral divide: somewhere in the middle, but leaning to one side. In this case, I think that side happens to be the moral values side, whether that means the values themselves or a backlash of the perception of those values by the left.

Was it the #1 issue? Probably not... and even if it was, there were so many others that the overall percentage was relatively low (in the low twenties or high teens). And we have to remember that it is probably in the best interests of both parties to keep the perception under control... the Dems have been defensive on these issues (foolishly, I might add), while many on the right are scared that the right-wing fanatics like Mullah Dobson will become the face of the GOP and chase away moderates and independents. So take those naysayers with a grain of salt...

But here's the thing: none of this matters. Regardless of precisely where it ranks in relation to the economy or terror, I think all can agree it is a big issue and one which may have a critical place in the swing states. Democrats have to address this one way or another, and dithering about its exact place in this past cycle is missing the forest for the trees.