Barack Obama took time off from the campaign trail this week to sit down for an interview with the Christian Broadcast Network's David Brody.
They discussed a wide range of topics, but for the politically inclined, the most important part of the interview was this statement:
"Once the nomination contest is over, I will get the people who voted for her. Now, the question is, can she get the people who voted for me?" -- Barack Obama, interviewed by CBN's David Brody
This seems to be a warning shot fired at the Hillary campaign, telling them to back off their attacks on Obama.
Implicit in his comment is a threat that he won't campaign for Hillary in the fall, helping turn out the young people and Republicans he brought into the party in Iowa and New Hampshire.
If I go down, she's going down with me, he seems to be saying.
Obama's most recent radio ad supports this theory. If it were to air in any competitive state, it would almost certainly hurt Hillary's chances of winning the general election.
"Hillary Clinton will say anything to get elected...she'll say anything, and change nothing. It's time to turn the page." -- Obama campaign ad
Fortunately, South Carolina isn't a competitive state in the general election, so this ad won't impact much of anything but the primary.
Still, by demonstrating his willingness to fight back with every bit the nastiness of his opponents, Obama is reminding the Clintons -- who have attacked him with impunity, oftentimes using misleading and offensive tactics -- that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Barack Obama has become a very powerful force in Democratic Party politics. When he signals his willingness to play hardball, it's important to listen.
That being said, although I'm impressed by the comfort with which Obama is exerting his influence, I find it disconcerting that with every passing day, this election becomes more and more about the candidates and their personalities, and less and less about the issues that matter.
(Updated, 8.40am)
© Jed Lewison