CBS News’ Scott Conroy is accusing Sarah Palin of using “fear tactics” against Barack Obama:

(FORT MYERS, FLA.) On the day when the McCain campaign released a new attack ad not-so-subtly titled “Dangerous,” Sarah Palin made a concerted effort to use words like “fearful” and “afraid” to describe Barack Obama, signaling her campaign’s decision to make the election a referendum on Obama’s character, rather than the issues facing the country.

“I am just so fearful that this is not a man who sees America the way that you and I see America—as the greatest source of good in this world,” Palin said at a rally this morning in Clearwater, Fla.

Two things here are interesting.

First, why isn’t Obama’s character an issue?  Sure it’s a different sort of issue than terrorism.  Or trade policies.  Or what’s going on with our credit markets right now.  But it’s still an issue, and one that’s important for a lot of voters.  Remember what Martin Luther King said?  People should be judged by the content of their character.  Insight into Obama’s character gives us insight into how he’d lead this country.

It doesn’t deserve the dismissal Conroy gives it.

Second, why is that when Republicans bring up questions about Obama’s past they’re engaging in “feat tactics” but when Barack Obama is accusing John McCain of wanting the old and infirm to lose their health care in order to fund tax cuts is that not “fear tactics” too?

It is, but the media never calls it that.

And there’s nothing really wrong with “fear tactics” as long as you’re being honest.  Obama has a history of connections with extremists and radicals.  That’s pretty scary.  McCain wants more people to pay for their own health care.  For many who are currently dependent on the government for such things, that’s pretty scary too.