The folks on the opposing campaign team may be friends.

They may be former colleagues.

You may even meet for surreptitious drinks during the campaign.

Hell, you may even sleep with some of them.

But if there's a weakness, don't let that stand in your way, because you can bet the rent money they won't.

This is about getting your boss elected, and friendship doesn't enter the equation.

I actually disagree with this. I actually think that a positive campaign from a candidate who is not ethically vulnerable could generate a breakthrough in American politics, and maybe even generate more interest in politics from the public.

Politics is a no-holds barred match. What ever dirt you can find on your opponent, use it. The better you look, the better chance you have of getting elected.

The political shoals are filled with those who felt that they were above the fray. Politics at the ground level requires a mix of hard-hitting challenges geared toward your opponent and a even a little bit of blackmail to protect your own back. It might sound dirty, but that's how the real world works. The key is making sure that your opponent doesn't define you because certainly the portrayal isn't going to be flattering.

A side-note on irishgit's comment: The perfect example of this is James Carville and Mary Matalin. They are married to each other, and are political polar opposites. Personally, I think Carville is an opinionated, loud-mouthed, obnoxious jerk, BUT he is the epitome of the Take no prisoners school. He does his job extremely well, and has a quick mind and wit, and does some fancy tap-dancing on some issues. I may not like him, but I grudgingly admire his abilities.