Dems to Obama: What Kind of Change?

Barack Obama has inspired hope but needs to nail down some details, Democratic leaders from battleground states tell the New York Times. Polls are stalled and voters anxious because Obama lacks clear positions, they say. “I particularly hope he strengthens his economic message," said Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, who wants Obama to "speak more clearly and specifically about kitchen-table, bread-and butter issues like high energy costs."

Many say Obama can shore up questions about his experience and race by picking a vice president, or even naming his cabinet early. But campaign manager David Plouffe says he isn’t worried yet. “Democrats should take a deep breath and realize that there are a group of voters who won’t make up their mind about a candidate until deep in the fall,” he said. “I don’t care about national polls.” (More Barack Obama stories.)