"Turning Aspens" photographed in Guanella Pass, Colorado by Michelle Kerr

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The presidential campaign has entered the pants-on-fire portion of the sorry spectacle we call an election.

The perennial claim by political strategists that negative campaigning is unfortunate “but it works” is on full display. The question is how to avoid it if your opponent attacks. Does the attackee sit tight and let lies and damn lies float by without refuting them, in order to take the proverbial high road? History seems to say they don’t have that luxury. Remember Sen. John Kerry’s lackluster responses to the Swiftboaters who successfully smeared Kerry’s status as a decorated veteran? We all know what happened then.

Peter Wallsten of the Los Angeles Times has a nicely balanced piece today about what the two campaigns are up to in going negative.

The LA Times also has these two short pieces of interest: “Barack Obama’s connection to William Ayers” and “John McCain’s ties to Charles Keating.”

There isn't much that I have in common with a 72-year-old Republican candidate for president, but there is one common trait we share: economic policy isn't a strength for either of us.

With the current economic crisis the only subject on people's lips these days, my insight into the problem is centered on what I've read about locally and seen out my front door. For resort communities, the writing is on the wall that the real estate development gold rush is grinding to a halt. Developers who relied on a steady supply of wealthy transplants and vacationers with super-deep pockets eager to buy trophy homes and snap up condo-hotel rooms are finding these people a tougher sell.