Now that a recent spate of polls has shown Hillary Clinton putting some distance between herself and the other candidates for the Dem nomination, the right has begun rolling out what may seem a new tactic in the never-ending war to demonize her. But really it's the oldest trick in the American fundamentalist smear-book -- it's witch-burning, transplanted quite literally to the 21st century.
Take a look at today's Drudge Report. I don't know whether they Photoshopped the photo or somebody snapped the presentation of a gag gift (seems likely from the photo) but there it is, in living color: Hillary in a witch's hat. (I'd rather not link to them - you know how to find it.)
WITCH is one of the oldest American smears. You may recall a certain subset of the town of Salem, Mass., were executed for such crimes as casting spells and putting evil wishes into others' hearts.
Back in the days of the Puritans, we burned witches. Or we drowned them. Or we hanged them. Today we vilify them on the Drudge Report!
The first noise of this blatant ploy was a cluster of MSM stories in the past couple of weeks decrying Hillary's "cackle." Notice it was not a "titter" that she was accused of having, or a "guffaw." A "cackle" is only deployed by chickens and .... witches.
It may seem ridiculous to think that people can be deceived by the deployment of such a superstitious, old-fashioned symbol. But it must be much more than coincidental that the rise of the "witch meme" goes hand-in-hand with HRC's surge in the polls.
Back in the Salem days, Americans had to wait until the madness subsided. Even good people stood back in silence while their neighbors were accused of witchcraft.
How can the Dems counter a smear as far-out as this? Should she address the meme head-on, or ignore it and hope it goes away?
UPDATED to correct some historical inaccuracies on my part.