WASHINGTON (AP) â?? Republicans can hardly contain their glee as they watch Barack Obama battle through a rocky period. And why should they?

Nothing else is breaking the GOP's way this year. But, at least now, the Democrats' political phenom is tarnished, and, if he defeats Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination, he will enter the general election campaign not only bruised and battered â?? but also carrying baggage as he faces Republican John McCain.

"We've had a rough couple of weeks. I won't deny that," Obama said Friday.

The Illinois senator has repeatedly had to address â?? and repudiate â?? the ranting of his bombastic former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Obama has continued facing questions about his relationship with indicted Chicago businessman Antoin "Tony" Rezko. The candidate's patriotism has been questioned. So has his readiness.

On the eve of a critical Pennsylvania primary, Obama caught flak for claiming that small-town folks are bitter and thus cling to guns and religion. Then he turned in a lackluster debate performance. He ended up losing that primary to Clinton in part because he didn't attract enough white, working-class voters.

Now he finds himself in the midst of competitive contests in two more states. Losses Tuesday in Indiana and North Carolina would further weaken him. Even if he manages to hold off Clinton in those and the final primary contests, Obama would essentially limp to the nomination.

"The bark is stripped off him a little bit," said Reed Galen, a Republican who worked on President Bush's campaigns. "Are the folks on the Republican side of the aisle happy to let Hillary do that? Absolutely."
The Associated Press: GOP Gleeful at Obama rocky period

I think that "rocky period" is an understatement. Rev. Wright and William Ayers will follow him throught he general election IF he is the DNC's candidate.

Have a good one!:s4:
Psycho4Bud Reviewed by Psycho4Bud on . GOP Gleeful at Obama rocky period WASHINGTON (AP) â?? Republicans can hardly contain their glee as they watch Barack Obama battle through a rocky period. And why should they? Nothing else is breaking the GOP's way this year. But, at least now, the Democrats' political phenom is tarnished, and, if he defeats Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination, he will enter the general election campaign not only bruised and battered â?? but also carrying baggage as he faces Republican John McCain. "We've had a rough Rating: 5