Barack gets it. Democrats are accustomed to whining and groaning and expressions of outrage to rightwing attacks. As a consequence they allow themselves to be put on defense. Rightwing Republicans pay no price in the gut-level impressions of their mettle.
Instead, as suggested in the first contribution on this page (Democrats Still Need to Learn How to Fight), the more fruitful approach is to shove it right back down their throats. Barack has done that. When John Howard, Australia's Prime Minister, lashed out at Barack's proposal to withdraw from the Iraqi Quagmire, rather than decrying his intrusion into US politics, Barack said, "OK, let us see you send another 20,000 Australian troops to Iraq". That is, put up, or shut up. Note how much more effective this approach is---since that comment, we have heard nary a word from Mr. Howard.
That, however, should not be the end of it. When the other side chokes when they have had their own hypocrisy shoved down their cowardly throats, Democrats go silent, believing they have "won". If the tables were turned, the rightwing would interpret the events differently, realizing that the silence means that they have struck a sensitive nerve that they can exploit and expand.
Barack should now do two things: 1) continue to taunt Mr. Howard, daring him to put up or shut up, insert that into every speech for the next month; let the Bushies rush to his defense, the dialogue will be precious; and 2) expand on the concept, that those criticizing the substitution of aggressive diplomacy for failed military intervention should demonstrate their resolve by volunteering themselves; for example, Rich Lowry, editor-in-chief of the National Review, is only 38 years old, wonder aloud why he does not volunteer; Adam Putnam, in the House Republican leadership, under 40, why has he not volunteered?
As those stories permeate the American consciousness, the momentum to end this disastrous policy will increase, and some Americans who would otherwise have lost their lives or limbs will be spared those fates.
So, Senator Obama, excellent response. Now, repeat and expand the concept, repeat and expand the concept, repeat and expand the concept, repeat and expand the concept....
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