Surrogates Gone Wild

Has Clark successfully derailed Obama's disciplined hot dogs, apple pie, and patriotism message? As Obama tours Colorado Springs today - a military and evangelical stronghold not used to seeing a WH Dem - the media focus remains on Clark v. McCain. Of course, Clark's continued presence on the TV talker circuit only helps keep the oxygen flowing to the story.

-- But before Obama can decide if he will "cut him loose," another potential Dem VP helps keep the story alive. Webb's call for McCain to "calm down" about the whole military service thing is likely to insert itself into coverage of Obama's 7/2 tour of NORAD and the USAF Academy.

-- Given all that Dems have going for them this year, why do many of them still feel compelled to get into debates over McCain's military record? Every time they do, regardless of the intent or the context, it only helps McCain and his allies to steer the debate back to the terrain where he's the most comfortable and confident.

-- If Clark or other backers of Obama want to ease voter anxiety over Obama's military inexperience, shouldn't they spend less time trying disprove McCain's experience and more time trying to show confidence in Obama?