Today's Campaign Critics

"Obama responds to attacks, but still falls short" (Joel Connelly, Seattle P-I):

Given the job he's done as Cubs manager over the past couple of years, Lou Piniella should go turn over a water cooler at Obama headquarters and invite the candidate in for a talking-to about not letting the game get away.

"What Obama Could Learn From Clinton" (E. J. Dionne):

Around this time last summer, the Obama campaign was being written off as a desultory failure and the candidate was forced to reassure his donors that he knew what he was doing. There are signs—notably during his trip through rural Virginia this week—that Obama has been listening to his critics on the centrality of economics and the empathy imperative. At next week’s convention, understanding both will be essential if Obama is to consign the August jinx to the dustbin of Democratic fears.

"At Rally, Finding Clinton’s Aid to Obama Too Tepid" (NY Times):

“It was a platonic type of endorsement,” Mr. Montes said. “It wasn’t real love. She’s just doing what she’s supposed to be doing.”

Barack Obama