Posted by
BrianW on Thursday, September 25, 2008 11:09:13 AM
Yesterday Sen. John McCain invited Sen. Obama to put partisan politics on hold, go back to Washington and discuss a solution to the current financial crisis. Obama declined, saying that he was "in touch" with leaders in Washington, that he would be there "if they need him", and that he would "talk with his people". He supposed it would be best to remain on the campaign trail and press forward with the debate, saying "the American people need to hear from us".
Okay, fine, but truly, after so many years we already know exactly where John McCain stands. In fact, it was Sen. McCain who, only a few years ago, stood on the Senate floor insisting that something be done to reign in the wreckless lending practices of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But I digress.
My problem with Senator Obama's response and statement is this - he is a current-sitting SENATOR, and he has a job to do. If he wants to be seen as someone who is capable of leading this great nation, then he should be taking initiative and showing leadership in the job he ALREADY HAS. It seems he believes the job he was hired by the people of Illinois to be a candidate. I would be extremely disappointed if he were from my state, and would be insisting that he stop posturing and do his job. From his statement yesterday, it seems to me that he would rather let someone else do the work, discuss the ideas, and offer solutions, then he will remotely review the suggestions and decide whether or not it is worthy of his vote or his criticism. Waiting for other people to solve your biggest problems while you criticize their efforts is not leadership in any form.
If the American people don't catch this and realize what it is they'd be voting for, then maybe they do deserve someone like Obama and Biden as their "leader".