VIPs over the years have sometimes had to dodge a pie in the face from protesters. President George W. Bush even dodged a shoe hurled at him.
This year, the guerrilla tactic of choice for some liberal activists is a shower of glitter at close range. So far, three Republican presidential candidates have been among the targets of the so-called glitterati: Newt Gingrich, Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann. All three were targeted primarily because of opposition to various gay-rights causes.
The candidates have essentially ignored the glitterings publicly and none of the glitterers has faced criminal charges. But the tactic has sparked a lively online debate about whether it is refreshing and effective, or childish and rude.
Some gay-rights activists contend that glittering is counterproductive and essentially burnishes the targets' credentials among conservatives.
