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Attack Teflon Barack, and You'll Be Sorry

Foes offend, apologize; Obama polishes his halo by forgiving

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 28, 2008 12:33 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama has accepted a lot of apologies this election cycle, and each has made the Democrat stronger, notes Politico writer Ben Smith. From Joe Biden’s “articulate and … clean” gaffe to Bill Cunningham’s attempts to accent his middle name, opponents are always stepping over a line with Obama, and with every apology he appears more gracious, rising above the fray—and foes.

Most of the gaffes are linked to Obama's heritage, proof that race is still a touchy subject in America, Smith writes. By whole-heartedly accepting the apologies, Obama is reinforcing his campaign’s post-racial image and unification message. “It’s simple. He’s Teflon,” one Democratic consultant said. “It goes to his core integrity, the way he projects it … and that’s enormously important.”

Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., delivers a statement of apology to the news media after local radio host Bill Cunningham made disparaging remarks about his Democratic opponents on stage prior to McCain's arrival at a campaign rally at Hamilton County Memorial Hall in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tuesday, Feb. 26,...
Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., delivers a statement of apology to the news media after local radio host Bill Cunningham made disparaging remarks about his Democratic opponents...   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes remarks during an outdoor rally Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in San Marcos, Texas. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes remarks during an outdoor rally Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in San Marcos, Texas. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes remarks during an outdoor rally Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in San Marcos, Texas. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes remarks during an outdoor rally Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in San Marcos, Texas. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)   (Associated Press)
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