What's the best way for a Democrat, particularly a decorated war-hero Democrat, to defend himself against Swiftboat-style attacks on the flag-burning amendment? If you watch James Webb's (D) Senate campaign in Virginia, you know to call the criticism "weak-kneed attacks by cowards." Note to Sen. George Allen (R): now would probably be a good time to stop using the flag as a campaign issue.

-- Guest Post by Steve Benen, The Carpetbagger Report