Republican strategist Terry Holt was on TV this morning, talking about - what else? - Sarah Palin, and he asserted that initial doubts about the Republican vice presidential nominee turned into a groundswell of support for her after Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama last Friday made fun of small towns, like the one in Alaska where Palin has lived most of her life.

First of all, the comment about Wasilla, Alaska, was made by an Obama campaign spokesman, not Obama himself. More importantly, though, the spokesman didn't make fun of small towns, or even of Wasilla; what he made fun of was the fact that, until about 20 months ago, a small town was the only thing Palin had ever led. He was commenting on her government experience, not her place of residence.

Using the words of an opposing candidate and his/her campaign staffers to prove them wrong is fine in an election season. But at least use the right words.