So far as the whole public financing controversy goes, is there a reason that Obama shouldn't simply say, "I never wanted to have a campaign run by corporate interests, and I never understood that I could have a campaign funded by more than a million Americans making small sum contributions?" His ability to get more than a million separate individuals to contribute is remarkable, and should be turned into the story. Civic renewal is a good thing. And if McCain wants to argue, then Barack Obama, with his $20 quadrillion dollars, can make some hay of the fact that McCain's campaign is run by a lobbyist and he used the campaign finance system as collateral on a personal loan. It's not just that it would be politically stupid for Obama to let himself be bullied out of his fundraising advantage, but on the merits, he's actually created something remarkable in terms of voter engagement. He should see where it leads.
