DNC hits McCain where it hurts

It’s a well-known “fact” that McCain is opposed to earmarks, and the DNC – instead of just letting that stand – is attacking McCain on that very ground, arguing that McCain’s categorical opposition to earmark spending harms local communities.

It’s an interesting line of attack, and is definitely reminiscent of Rove’s effective strategy of attacking a candidate where he/she is strongest.  Of course, there was quite a bit of risk in Rove’s gambit.  Namely, the attack can backfire and become a net positive for the receiving candidate if said candidate can respond quickly, effectively, and use the attack to highlight favorable differences.  That said, if the DNC (and Obama) is consistent with this attack over the next few months, then I think it will find ground to run on and end up damaging McCain’s appeal as a reformer by painting him as disastrously shortsighted. 

Now all I’m waiting for is the DNC to apply this method of attack to damage McCain’s “national security credibility.”  And by damage, I mean show his complete inability to grasp anything more than “bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran.”