Election campaign forces invasive scrutiny

An anyone applying for a job will the Obama administration will have to reveal any statements or personal relationships that might be used to attack or embarrass the White House. The application form asks 63 questions about any possible e-mails, blog messages, internet aliases, or associations with anyone that could cause problems for the administration. One person who has vetted people for previous administrations said he is glad he is applying for a job in the Obama White House.

While digging into to personal lives and using it to embarrass and discredit political opponents has become standard operating procedure, it was elevated into a controlling practice during the presidential campaign. Obama's acquaintance with his minister, Professor Ayers, and his international relations were all used in attempts to disqualify him for the office to which he is elected. Many of the accusations were contrived, some totally false.

In order to keep his administration from being besieged and obsructed by petty slanders and false accusations, his administration is requring a level of personal disclosure that will make any person think twice about whether they want to work in public service. This is the legacy of the McCain-Palin campaign, but one that the country will have to endure as long as the mallicioius determine the nature of politics in our time.