I agree. There is a danger here that Obama starts playing prevent defense, trying not to lose instead of trying to win.

Going on the attack would also help negate the McCain camp's narrative that he is aloof and gutless. Or as John Aravosis contends, they are doing a subtle gay-baiting of Obama. He can hit back at McCain without crawling in the gutter with him.

He can start by pointing out that the man calling him an elitist wears $500 shoes, and his wife has a private jet to travel to their seven homes.