Obama Backs Down and Continues to Disappoint

Barack Obama, the Democrat's presidential hopeful, has backed away from his Republican' rival's request for a series of town hall type meetings or debates. Obama will only agree to three debates this fall, causing me to wonder why he is afraid to meet Republican candidate John McCain in the more informal setting.

According to news reports, Obama advisers say the Illinois senator doesn't want to take any chances or give his opponent a high-profile platform now that he's ahead in the polls. It's hard for me to believe that they actually admit that, but so be it. What's of more concern to me isn't the so called official sounding excuse, but the timing of this refusal. It's summer, and I have yet to fall in love with Barack Obama.

OK, I'll admit I was hoping that Hillary Clinton would have a shot at the White House in November. No, to be honest, I fervently wanted her to be our first female president. Out of all the female politicians in this great country of ours, Hillary has the best name recognition and the best credentials. I could carry this further and say she was the most qualified in the field of everyone who ran for the job, but that's over and done with. What is concerning me is the constant state of disillusionment Barack Obama's candidacy puts me in. As I've said before, I want to want him.

Let's think about this. Why would a young charismatic, well spoken and intelligent Senator with an easy way with a crowd be afraid to face an older, less charismatic and kind of grumpy Senator at a town hall meeting? It makes little sense to me. It seems that the reasons may be as more if not more disappointing than the facts at hand.

Is Obama cocky? Cocky enough to think that the American electorate doesn't need to know him better? Yes, just vote for him folks. He will be our first black president, it will be historical and all that. He cares about you because he didn't have it so great either being raised by his white grandmother instead of in a typical nuclear family. He's smart. He went to Harvard, an alma mater that spawns presidents. So vote for me he says, arrogantly. Could it be he is tired from the long primary campaign where that woman almost defeated him, actually was in a virtual tie with him, and he really would rather not have to tax his Ivy League education for a couple of months? Hey, maybe he doesn't want to be in this casual setting with a bona-fide war hero. One never knows there could be a war hero or two in the audience. Most likely the doesn't want to take any chances now that he is ahead in the polls excuse is the closest to the truth. Personally, I think appearing to be "chicken" in the face of a John McCain is just about the worst tactic he could be using, and I'm a life-long Democrat.

Obama continues to disappoint me as the campaign season races ahead to the conventions. He has all but said that Senator Clinton won't get the vice-presidential nod....Evan Bayh anyone? Now this. Humbug. I hope I remember to vote in November, I've never missed, but there's always a first time.