Little white liars.

Apparently, to some conservatives it doesn't really matter whether or not a story is true. What matters is that it "rings true.":

But here’s my big picture take: It doesn’t matter whether Ashley was genuinely attacked for her political beliefs. What counts is that the story seems entirely plausible, and that’s scary. It’s entirely believable that an Obama supporter would viciously maim a McCain volunteer because we expect that behavior from people who delight in smearing the minor children of politicians.

Even if Ashley’s story proves to be completely false, ask yourself whether you believe it could happen. Do you want to vote with people you expect to physically attack their political opposites, or against them?

Update: Michelle Malkin also calls b.s. I still say the veracity of Ashley Todd’s story is neither here nor there. It’s the notion that vicious behavior from one of Obama’s enraged followers isn’t at all shocking that should give you pause.

It would be difficult to find a better example of the moral bankruptcy of the contemporary Right than the ruminations I have quoted above. I especially love the last bit, where blogger Jenn Q. Public notes that the "believability" of the story is, in and of itself, a valid condemnation the Obama campaign, as if that very "believability" weren't simply a sign of just how out of touch and deeply lost in the hysterical, dishonest, right-wing echo chamber some people can become. And yes, I'm speaking of you, Jen.

(Hat tip to blogger uggabugga.)