A quick note to the campaigns of Senators Clinton and Obama:

Shut the fuck up already!

Seriously, this mud slinging has got to stop now.

Where’s the talk about actual issues? About what your plans are for the things that are legitimately troubling the people and security of the United States?

All of this petty bickering, the “he said/she said,” and the lies, obfuscations, and exaggerations needs to stop if either candidate wants to have a chance of winning not only their party’s nomination for the office of President, but the actual general election.

And a special word to President Clinton: you should be ashamed of yourself. It is not your race for president, no matter what your ego thinks. Let Hillary fight her own battles, sir.

Senator Edwards is trying to keep above the fray, and I salute him. And I hope that the media finally digs their heads out of their collective arses and starts covering his campaign and his speeches. I know that the media fancies itself as a kingmaker, but by-and-large they are blowhards who can’t put together a truly coherent thought if they try.

Russert, Matthews, Couric, Hume, and company: please start covering the basic issues and the candidates’ stand on these issues without editorial comment or leading intent and do your damn job.

Report the damn news.

Do not reward the petulance of Sens. Clinton and Obama by giving them not only more airtime, but by asking questions that don’t have anything substantial to do with the candidates’ abilities and vision.

And to the liberal blogosphere: you are just as much to blame for fanning the flames of these campaigns. Hiding behind noms du plume and spouting out rehashed news reporting (some of which can’t be independently verified) is not educated commentary. Nor is name calling, or push-and-shove comment threads that serve no purpose than to feed one’s ego.

Be what you want the media to be: report only facts, distort nothing, leave the cards on the table for your readers to interpret. If you express an opinion, be clear that it is just an opinion. And keep the dialog above the fray. If you claim to be better, then prove it.

My name is Rudi Riet, and you’re damn right I approve this editorial message.