Reuters says: Obama fights back against questions on patriotism—but all I see is the usual self-absorbed outrage that the question would even come up.

In a clear sign the patriotism issue is a worry for the campaign, Obama said in a speech at the Harry Truman presidential library in Missouri that he would not sit back and watch his love of country questioned by political rivals.

“I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign. And I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine,” he said.

Democrat strategists believe that John Kerry made a big mistake by not responding more strongly to the Swift Boat allegations, so the Obama campaign issues these pro forma, pugnacious, empty statements to look tough.