You'll both get filthy, but the pig likes it.

It's a valid point, but not one for the debate. Talking about this, even in response to an attack is very unpresidential. If McCain bring up Ayers, the best response would be something like this:

"John, there you go again. It has become increasingly obvious in the last few months that the Republican party is bankrupt of ideas, morals, leadership, and accountability. That the only thing you have to offer the American people is a petty smear campaign based on associations and events that happened when I was 8 years old demonstrates that you lack the temperament and leadership that it takes to be President."

Like I said, it is a valid point, so delegate it to surrogates, and commercials by 527 groups.

McCain brings up Ayers (which he won't, I'm nearly certain: he's trying to psych Obama out), then Obama comes back with:

"John, I'm glad you finally brought this up to my face.  You know as well as I that Bill Ayers, who did things four decades ago, when I was eight years old, that we both agree were terrible but is now a completely rehabilitated citizen, is not an issue of relevance in this election.  I could easily be lobbing these attacks back at you regarding your running mate's longtime association with a potentially violent secsessionist movement, but that wouldn't help the voters decide who can help them with the mortgage payments or give them a viable method of saving for their children's educational futures, would it?  Unless you can tie my assocation with Bill Ayers to the mortgage crisis or our deteriorating military situation in Afghanistan, I humbly suggest that we talk about something else."

Obama can't fight on McCain's terms, he's got to fight on his own.  People are supporting Obama because of his focus on policies to help Americans, not because McCain is an jerk that hangs out with other jerks.

I think is WHAT the Republicans want, start slinging accusations.

That's a losing strategy?

Remember the first debate, when we ALL thought Obama was being too nice, kept agreeing with McCain?

How did that play with the nation, and how did cranky irrasicble McCain do by comparison?

This is what YOU want to happen, and, really, that is what I would probably do as well?

That is why Obama is a better candidate then us nutz that post on blogs....