Obama Responds To Criticism

Republicans sense an opportunity in the developing storm over Barack Obama's remarks.

His comments have been distributed to allies on Capitol Hill, to members of the Pennsylvania press corps, to talk radio hosts across the country, to Republican state parties and to the congressional campaign committees. The National Republican Congressional Committee is using the statement to whack Chris Carney, a vulnerable frosh member of congress from Pennsylvania. ((Note: contrary to an earlier sentence, he is neutral.))

Tommy Vietor, a campaign spokesman, was designated to give what the Obama campaign wants you to believe is a "ah, it's not a big deal" response:

"Senator Obama has said many times in this campaign that Americans are understandably upset with their leaders in Washington for saying anything to win elections while failing to stand up to the special interests and fight for an economic agenda that will bring jobs and opportunity back to struggling communities. And if John McCain wants a debate about who's out of touch with the American people, we can start by talking about the tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans that he once said offended his conscience but now wants to make permanent,”

Positively Axelrodian.