Reply #4: I agree. I'm sure others are about to post "No! Why remind the voters of these allegations?!" [View All]

[Brotherjohn]

But I think Obama should take this stuff on head first, in the general election, and forcefully. I think it's a good idea of yours to tie them all together.

Look, we tried "running away" from this stuff with Kerry, and with Gore. They just played classy and at most gave a polite "that's nonsense, my record speaks for itself" or "I'm not going to honor that with a response" types of answers (on Swift-boating, invented internet, China findraising...). They didn't take this stuff on whole-heartedly. They gave polite defenses and then ran like hell from the issue.

The impression one gets from avoiding these issues is of one not willing to stand up for themselves. I think that as much as anything has hurt our candidates in the past as the nonsense allegations. Voters on the fence will say "Maybe Gore DOES lie about things, if he makes such a ridiculous claim."... "Maybe Kerry isn't such the war hero he pretends to be." If you don't speak up for yourself, the opposing opinion will be all people are left with.

So far, Obama has been much more vociferous in defending himself against nonsense charges. But I agree, he should tie it all together in the general election, against McCain, and say "NOT THIS TIME! People are smart. They'll step back and say "maybe the OTHER side isn't being totally truthful."