Real Democrats don't do this (or this). They just don't.

But, typical of a campaign with a reputation for exploiting every advantage and trying to neutralize every disadvantage, Mrs. Clinton’s communications team, led by Howard Wolfson, is not leaving Mr. Drudge to the Republicans. Five current and former Democratic officials said Mrs. Clinton has on her side the closest thing her party has ever had to Mr. Rhoades in Tracy Sefl, a former Democratic National Committee official, who has established a friendly working relationship with Mr. Drudge — and through whom Mrs. Clinton’s campaign often worked quietly to open a line of communication.

I think this is even worse than playing ball with Fox News. At least the damage done with Fox News is self-contained. But when you aid and abet Matt Drudge, you're strengthening his grip on the entire news cycle.

In the case of Hillary Clinton, it's truly an act of self-hatred.

The title of this post is one of the most important maxims in all of politics.

Case in point:

I just watched Steny Hoyer on CNN. John King asked him about Joe Lieberman's comments that Democrats weren't going to be able to convince America that they were prepared to defend America's security.

Hoyer hemmed and hawed about how FDR won WWII and some other things, and then said of course Democrats will demonstrate they are strong on national security.

Bleh. Defensive, whining crap. Weak and unconvincing. Pathetic.

Grow some balls, Steny. When Joe Lieberman attacks, you fight back.

I mean, should the Democrats really take advice from the guy who not only wrote the Iraq War Resolution, but is now advocating military action against Iran?

Should Democrats really take advice from a guy who ran for re-election as a Democrat, quit his party when he lost in the primary, and then promised to serve as a Democrat if elected to the Senate, only to turn around and endorse a Republican in the presidential contest?

Who is Joe Lieberman to give any Democrat advice?

Why doesn't Hoyer say that? Why does he politely disagree?

Lieberman just said that Democratic victory will lead to the death of many Americans.

And you politely disagree?

What is your problem, Steny?

You've been in the bowels of Congress too long.

You've lost all perspective.

You, Steny, are weak.

Learn to fight back.

When they hit you, you hit them back, harder.

It's called game theory. Learn about it. Or get out the way.

New York Times:

Iraq vote dogs Clinton (again)