Speaking of Lee Atwater, there was a recent Frontline special (now on-line) which traced the origin of modern attack politics - of which Atwater was the original model for Karl Rove.
Atwater died of brain cancer - his head swollen to 1.5 times normal. He was shown on his deathbed in this state lamenting his sordid political style.
There should be a new Greek drama word invented for political thuggery - I suggest “AtRovian”.