With the major news networks bombarding the voting public hourly with ridiculous commentary about Rev. Jeremiah Wright's controversial comments, Barack Obama's campaign is suffering. While he spoke earlier, condemning Wright's remarks and attempting to distance himself, the fact remains that this issue seriously threatens his campaign, especially among rural whites in North Carolina. Senator Obama does not need another eloquent speech on this matter, but rather a way to change the subject completely. Enter Fort Bragg.
CNN recently reported on conditions in Fort Bragg after questions about the base's upkeep were raised by a video created by the father of a soldier stationed there. In the video, mold and rust are visible, as well as truly heinous conditions inside the barracks, including mold, rust, leaky pipes, and bathrooms with three inches of raw sewage on the ground.
Given that this is an issue with little prospect for divisivenes, it provides Obama with the perfect opportunity to change the subject from Rev. Wright's remarks. Senator Obama should address the news story about conditions in Fort Bragg with a proposal to improve conditions in army bases and veterans hospitals using money that will be saved by a withdrawal from Iraq, focusing on the importance of at-home military readiness. In addition to changing the subject from Rev. Wright, this would co-opt the 'support our troops' issue from the McCain and the Repubs and create another policy distinction between himself and Senator Clinton. After all, rural folk are nothing if not patriotic.
Edit:
Great suggestion from bumblebums to tie the issue in with McCain's refusal to sign on to the GI bill. That just makes the contrast between supporting our troops in words and in action that much more apparent.