For the presidential candidate, it seems as if the rules of the game are always changing. For instance, only a few weeks ago Barack Obama was lambasted for not having enough experience. After the choice of rookie Sarah Palin, however, the argument quickly changed to type of experience, with executive experience trumping all other. Invigorated with this newfound argument, the Republicans set out mutilating Obama’s record of experience –– not only legislative, but lifetime as well.

As I viewed the Republican National Convention a few weeks ago, my impression was that the party was truly worried. Firebrand speech followed firebrand speech, dripping with red meat in a slanderous sauce, enough to sustain this party hungry for victory. Case in point: the Thursday speeches. I graciously allowed Rudolph Giuliani, America’s former mayor, as well as Governor Sarah Palin, into my living room, only to allow them to besmirch the reputation of some of America’s most upstanding and honorable organizations and leaders. “Who?” you may ask. The community organizer.

Judging by the diction and intonation of the speeches, it seemed as if some Republicans viewed community organizing as a worthless enterprise. When contrasting the experiences of McCain and Obama, Giuliani built up McCain’s experience as a war hero, and portrayed him as a man of staunch principle. Before chiding Obama’s experience as a legislator, he sarcastically noted, “On the other hand, you have a resume from a gifted man with an Ivy League education. He worked as a community organizer, and immersed himself in Chicago machine politics.” But, it was the remark of the audacious Gov. Palin that broke the camel’s back. “I guess — I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities,” Palin remarked flippantly.

Perhaps Mrs. Palin is correct. Perhaps César Chávez, when he fought for fair wages and greater workers’ rights, was just messing around. It’s possible that Jane Addams, while doing philanthropy work and advocating for universal suffrage, really had nothing better to do. Maybe Martin Luther King, Jr., when fighting for civil rights and organizing boycotts, was just out for a historic joyride. Frankly, there’s a chance that in spite of accomplishing great things, these people may have bore few, if any, responsibilities. It’s not as if their activists and organizers were under any sort of threat for challenging the status quo. It’s not like their supporters entrusted them with the noble mission of seeking liberty and justice for all.

Surely not.

At least, that’s the mindset the Republicans have sought to project.

Perhaps it is naïve of me to fantasize over an honorable and consistent fight in politics, and perhaps too idealistic. It’s possible that such vile comments, endlessly shifting priorities and ground rules are inherently part of this dangerous game. Indeed, John McCain engaged in said game, as he recently sought to soften the blow of his running mate’s caustic phrase. While speaking in the presidential forum on service this past Thursday, McCain lavished praise on those who have served this nation. He also sought to justify, and apologize for, Mrs. Palin’s comments, while simultaneously lauding his rival’s accomplishments. “Look, Gov. Palin was responding to the criticism of her inexperience and her job as a mayor in a small town…Of course I respect people who serve their community. And Sen. Obama’s record there is outstanding.”

Yes sir. The rules, they are a’changin.’