Obama Hogtied in the Pig Pen - We Need You, Hillary

Sure, on this website, we all understand the politically calculated, 'phony outrage' of McCain/Palin.  But many voters are not familiar with the 'lipstick on a pig' quip that is commonly used in Washington.  By default, they are associating Obama's comment with Palin, whose speech is the only other time they've heard the expression.  Some undecided voters are going to be offended, and that is a major problem.

Frankly, I do not understand how Obama or his speechwriters, knowing that the McCain campaign is ready to pounce at any time with charges of sexism, could provide such an obvious opening for the opposition, or the media ready to carry the McCain/Palin narrative.  In any event, what's done is done.  So what to do?

For reasons others have discussed, Obama should NOT apologize.  However, this was a major political gaffe on his part, and he needs to disarm the story very quickly.  As I see it, there's only one way out of this mess with minimal damage - Hillary Clinton.

Hillary, as the most prominent female supporter of Obama, and whose health care proposal was once characterized by McCain as 'listick on a pig' (outrageous!), is uniquely positioned to deliver the counterattack that Obama needs.  Obama v. Palin on this issue is inevitably a political loser - the McCain campaign will continue to spew charges of sexism, and the media will push that framework.  Hillary v. Palin, on the other hand, at least levels the playing field, and lets us move on.  

So, please, Hillary, call McCain/Palin out on their phony outrage.  We need you to send the so-called 'pitbull with lipstick' back to the doghouse.