Would you rather Obama NOT respond to Clinton's attacks/distortions?

[Unsane]

Not responding = political suicide.

One can only 'stay above the fray' for so long before it hurts you. Sure, maybe getting down and dirty is what the Clintons want from Obama. But the potential harm from simply doing nothing far outweighs any harmm Obama may do to himself by vociferously defending himself.

[jpgray]

1. Responding in the right way is what's important and that's incredibly difficult

No one listens to the explanation unless the media trumpets it--all anyone hears is the attack. So unless the dry explanation contains some quotable turns of phrase, even the most reasonable defense will disappear into the aether.

[Unsane]

2. "Hillary will say anything and change nothing"

that memorable enough for you?

[Uben]

3. Uh?

Let's look at what Clinton has changed and what Obama has changed. Care to elaborate?

[jpgray]

4. No, because responding with a similar attack undermines his image

Emphasizing his themes of hope and change should be the goal--separating himself from these sorts of tactics. Responding in the same old way politicians have always responded to such attacks doesn't do this very well.

[Uben]

9. Not you

I was addressing the one line aattack by Unsane. He/she makes an assertion that needs to be backed up by facts.

[MethuenProgressive]

5. Clinton started it - by responding to Obama's attacks/distortions.

He's given up on "Hope" - only mentioned it once during the debate.

[Windy]

6. The same people who are knocking obama now for fighting back

are some of the same ones who came down hard on John Kerry when he didn't during the 2004 campaign.

Its all about being partisan and its despicable.

[Unsane]

7. yup

[pampango]

8. He should respond to what Hillary says, but not Bill.

The campaign needs to respond to Bill, too, but let it be someone else not Obama. By responding to both he spends too much time with negative reacting, not his strong suit and not the type of campaign he should run.

Respond to Hillary, then spend the rest of your time with your positive message. You can't ignore Bill, but let someone else handle him.

[Tarc]

10. I'd prefer that he respond without sounding like a Bitter Betty

for a change.

[sam sarrha]

11. has he said anything actually.."UnTrue". or just something you dont like..?? i havent really been

following too close..

[Buzz Clik]

12. It would be nice if Hillary limited her comments to truthful representations.

Forcing Obama to respond to all the bullshit she and Bill have been spreading is disgusting. Obama has no choice, and the Clintons know this. This is, after all, the entire strategy.

[ihelpu2see]

13. Be firm and initially point out the distortions, then ignore them and play above the

Fray.