Should Obama Go Negative?

Should Barack Obama resort to a mud-slinging campaign? The short answer is, simply, no. The longer answer is this: After the Nafta debacle (which, by the way, is possibly the least scandalous scandal ever) and the Anthony Rezko trial, Obama can't afford to lose any more face with voters. If he goes negative, it could destroy his image as the face of hope and change in Washington. He will come across as just another politician conducting shady business and slinging mud at opponents. Because his appeal to most voters is his ability to transcend politics as usual and unite the country, engaging in the campaign tactics employed by Clinton and Bush negates his single greatest weapon.

He needs to stick to his guns -- politely but firmly deflecting Clinton's attacks but not fighting fire with fire (lots of metaphors in this sentence!). If he does fight back, it should be only to criticize her for resorting to these kinds of attacks -- and even then in a manner that doesn't sound hostile or defensive. He needs to focus on his message of hope and maybe the millions of Americans who are begging for change will see that they're not going to get it from Clinton. Maybe I'm being a little idealistic, but, then again, so is Obama. And that's why I like him so much.