"The difference between freedom in America and not."

- State Sen. Ross Tolleson, R-Perry, speaking at a rally today about what's at stake in the Saxby Chambliss / Jim Martin Senate runoff.

"Obama and the whole bunch is out to destroy this country, I think."
- Jackie Barnes, Warner Robins resident, at the same rally.

"Why would you try to destroy a country you just became president of?"
- Me
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Hyperbole, or, as it may sometimes be characterized, fear-mongering, is nothing new or surprising in politics. And it's not a ploy that just one party employs.

But it's an interesting strategy to use after your party has been so thoroughly rejected that the opposing party may well take control of the presidency, the House of Representatives and 60 percent of the Senate.

As Bill Clinton noted today, it's akin to saying, “Now you’re supposed to be afraid of what you just voted for."

But in some ways, to say Barack Obama will destroy what America stands for, that he will shred the 2nd Amendment or whatever other freedom you choose, in some ways that is an insult to America, to our Constitution and to the system of government we enjoy in this country.

It's a solid system, created specifically to withstand a presidency. If it can't withstand Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, what do you love about it so much that's worth saving?

Look, you screwed it up, OK? So things swung the other way. The good news is, the Democrats will screw it up again real soon, and it will swing back. And, if you don't like that, you could always consider non-partisan redistricting. Of course, you probably have to be in power to do that.

America is great because of Americans. I hear that a lot when I'm covering campaigns. Seems like it'd still be true after 66.8 million of them vote for the other guy.