The Right Reaction

Obama had the correct reaction today when interviewed in York, PA about being attacked at the Republican National Convention:

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama on Thursday shrugged off the criticisms from the Republican convention, saying he's been called worse on the basketball court.

Republicans are going on the attack because they did not have any ideas or concrete plans to help improve the lives of ordinary Americans, Obama told reporters after touring a factory that makes hydro-energy equipment in York, Pennsylvania.

"They've spent the entire two nights attacking me or extolling John McCain's biography, which is fine," said Obama, who faces Republican John McCain in the November election.

"They can use their convention time any way they want, but you can't expect that I'd be surprised by attacks from Republicans," Obama said.

The U.S. senator from Illinois has taken some sharp barbs from Republicans, who nominated Ariz. Sen. John McCain as their presidential candidate at their convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, this week.

In her speech on Wednesday, the Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, mocked Obama's education, career choices, legislative record, policy proposals, speaking skills and ability to attract large crowds.

And from an email from Obama himself:

Why would the Republicans spend a whole night of their convention attacking ordinary people?

With the nation watching, the Republicans mocked, dismissed, and actually laughed out loud at Americans who engage in community service and organizing.

Our convention was different. We gave the stage to everyday Americans who hunger for change and stepped up to make phone calls, knock on doors, and raise money in small amounts in their communities.

You may have missed it, but we also showed the country a video with the faces and voices of those organizers, volunteers, and donors from every corner of the country.

What you didn't hear from the Republicans at their convention is a single new idea about how to make the healthcare system work, get our economy moving for the middle class, or improve education.

Just attacks -- on me, and on you.

But what the McCain attack squad doesn't understand is that people like you -- who devote part of their busy lives to organizing and building their communities -- have the power to change this country.

Isn't that lovely? The Republicans LAUGH at people who help other people. What a lovely gang. Time for it to go off into the sunset and make room for another party, one that actually cares about the American people.