Update III visit Kath25's diary (just posted) to learn more about different volunteer opportunities.
This is news that should lift the hearts of those of us who believe in the better nature of Americans. Hillary's attacks (aka John McCain's attacks) are, for the most part, failing.
Why? For one, there's really nothing to her attacks.
Rep. Mike Doyle (D), an undecided superdelegate who represents Pittsburgh and surrounding towns in the Monongahela Valley, said yesterday that he was not particularly troubled by Obama's comments.
"I don't disagree with a lot of what he said. My dad was a mill worker. My grandfather was a steel mill worker, and when the steel industry collapsed, nobody's family was hurt more than mine," Doyle said. "It's not inaccurate to say a lot of politicians have come through these towns, made a lot of promises and failed to deliver. I thought he was spot-on when he said how people feel."
But the strongest reason is that Obama's campaign is firing back with both barrels.
The senator from Illinois also slipped in a dig: "Obviously, it's a little easier for me to say that [it's important not to damage our fellow Democrats], since, you know, I lead in delegates and states and popular vote. Senator Clinton may not feel that she can afford to be as constrained."
Obama continued: "I'm sure that Senator Clinton feels like she's doing me a great favor, because she's been deploying most of the arguments that the Republican Party will be using against me in November, and so, it's toughening me up. And I'm getting a run through the paces here."
Ouch.
Firing back with both barrels and yet keeping himself out the mud. That's why he's my candidate. Simply put: Obama will not stand to be swiftboated.
It's obvious the only people who are offended by Obama at this point are Republicans who will never vote for him, the Press figures who are only interested in keeping this story alive, and the Clintonistas.
Update Visit Speck Tater's great diary from yesterday to learn how and why to help Obama in PA.
Update II Some folks might complain because, as I mention below, the headline is "McCain echoes Clinton attacks" but if you read the story, the report from both the voters on the ground and the superdelegates is that the attacks aren't sticking. If I've omitted a story line from my own diary title, it's the emphasis on the strength of Obama's response to this attack.
Remember that whole line about who was a fighter? I think we're seeing pretty clearly who the real fighter is. A real fighter doesn't take wild swings. Wild swings are wasted movement. Politico talked about Obama's fighting instincts yesterday:
The response was signature Obama: Attack first, sort out the details later, if at all. No apology, no immediate regret, just a sharp counterattack. For a candidate sometimes mocked for being too soft to win a political fistfight, he has shown an uncanny ability to take a punch and then rear back and deliver one in return.
That's who I want boxing in my corner.