By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – Sen. Joe Lieberman's campaign director says he's not bothered by the tone of the campaign for the Democratic Presidential Nomination.
In fact, Craig Smith says he's seen it before.
Some of the Democrats have been harshly critical of each other -- and some Democrats think that criticism should be saved for the campaign against incumbent President George W. Bush. Smith -- who's worked in five previous Presidential campaigns -- says this isn't new.
"You know, everybody goes into histronics -- 'I can't believe this'. And it's all pretty much the same," said Smith. "The 1992 campaign with Bill Clinton -- that was an ugly campaign. I saw Howard Dean whining to (Party chairman) Terry Mcauliffe, 'oh please, make them be nice to me.' This isn't patty-cake."
Smith says he thinks this will make the eventual Democratic nominee stronger.
"If you think this is tough, wait 'til you see what Bush and (Karl) Rove are gonna do to you. This is all part of the process."
Smith also says he'd rather have something bad about a Presidential nominee come out now -- rather than have it come out in mid-October, when it's too late.
Smith was in North Dakota, doing some advance work before the February Third caucuses.