What happened to swift boating?

Morton Blackwell made a good point on a panel discussion we both participated in yesterday. Morton pointed out that in the recent elections, both Ken Blackwell and George Allen were limned as "negative" for attacking their Democrat opponent's salacious behaviors. As Morton pointed out, it would have been preferable if these candidates had been able to recruit a surrogate to make the attacks. After all, in '04, the most effective attack on John Kerry was made -- not by the candidate -- but by the Swift Boat Veteran's for Truth. Because Bush wasn't the one making the attack, he didn't get labeled as going "negative." If at all possible, it's usually best to have a surrogate make the attack. Of course, that assumes you are able to find someone willing to be the "bad guy" ...