Crooks & Liars nails it

Like so many others, I’m worried that Obama’s going to internalize the “celebrity” attacks and respond the way losing Democrats have done for the last handful of election cycles: by going “nuh-uh” and proving that the charge is wrong. Instead, over at Crooks & Liars, they have the way he should respond:

You’re not here tonight to see what kind of outfit I’m wearing or to hear my latest hit single–and if you are, I think you’re probably going to be disappointed. No, you’re here because you want change, you want a government that fights for people like you and not on behalf of powerful special interests; you want a government that keeps you safe by pursuing a rationale foreign policy abroad and keeps your family secure by creating jobs, ensuring access to affordable health care, and fighting for energy independence.

That’s why you’re here. That’s why you’re volunteering your time at record levels. That’s why you’re contributing your hard-earned money in record amounts.

So remember, when John McCain and his surrogates call me a “celebrity,” they’re not insulting me; they’re insulting you. They’re insinuating that you are a mindless groupie rather than a concerned citizen, a fan rather than a voter.

Bravo. That’s the meat of the issue. By attacking Obama as a “celebrity” and saying he’s all rhetoric but no substance, the GOP is claiming that his supporters are stupid. That they’re all caught up in his bright smile and banners but aren’t smart enough to see beyond that, while all the people who actually understand politics support McCain.

That’s the Rove strategy: turn a strength into a weakness. Obama can’t let it work this time, or he’s going to get buried.