Obama Backs Off “Hair Trigger” Reaction to Palin

On the trail Friday in Pennsylvania, the Democrat distances himself from his campaign's first, sharply worded reaction to McCain's veep choice.

Suggests his campaign was on a "hair trigger," and says, "The statement that Joe and I put out reflects our sentiments."

Adds: "I haven't met her before. She seems like a compelling person ... with a terrific personal story."

Read the campaign's original statement, and the following "good cop" statement.

Update: Obama and Biden place separate phone calls to Palin Friday. Obama wishes her luck, "but not too much."