Politics | Barack Obama Palin, Obama Share Suits of Teflon Wary of sexism charges, Dem counts on media to do his dirty work By Gabriel Winant Posted Sep 5, 2008 11:35 AM CDT Copied Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at a rally at Buchanan Park in Lancaster, Pa., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Barack Obama’s campaign is treading carefully around Sarah Palin. Lacking a “silver bullet” to use against her, and concerned about being called sexist, Obama likely will “keep his focus largely on John McCain,” reports Politico. The Obama camp anticipates that the reporters who’ve worked over his record will reveal Palin’s weak points as well, and show her to be too extreme for voters. Obama can’t pounce on Palin without inviting accusations of sexism, notes Time. Saving most of his attention for McCain, Obama is relying on surrogates to criticize Palin—especially female surrogates. This is the kind of delicate situation Obama understands well, because his own experience with racial politics mirrors Palin’s with gender. The two wear "a similar coat of Teflon.” Read These Next Ex-political candidate mired in sex tape scandal now has legal woes. A megachurch pastor is going to jail for abusing a girl decades ago. Judge gives Combs prison. Eisenhower Library boss is out after dispute over king's gift. Report an error