The Statesman and The Coward

John McCain suspended his campaign effective today and proposed that Friday's debate on foreign policy be delayed. McCain did this so he can return to Washington, D.C. to concentrate his efforts to arrive at a legislative solution to the Wall Street mess. He also asked Sen. Barack Obama to join him.

But Obama rebuffed him. He said that he's "available anytime, anywhere" and all anyone needs to do is to "call me."

"Call me" is not leadership. That is putting partisan interests ahead of the national interest. "Call me" is also cowardice. It also signals an admission (of sorts) that he feels he isn't needed.

Obama also contends that it is important for the people to see a debate. I would agree had the debate's topic tonight was economic policy. Instead, it is on foreign policy. Obama says the people "need to hear from us." Why didn't he accept McCain's challenge for several town hall meetings? Obama refused them all. He also refused to appear jointly with McCain at the Lake Forest forum. He insisted instead on appearing separately. Waiting a few days before debating (after the final legislation is passed) wouldn't hurt anything.

In putting the national interest ahead of politics, McCain has shown that his slogan of "Country First" is a real McCain principle, not just a slogan. That is the definition of leadership and statesmanship.

Obama has agreed to attend a meeting today at the White House only when President Bush called him. He will be joining McCain and congressional leaders of both parties. This is a welcome flip-flop, but it still went against Obama's original impulse. Perhaps his pollsters found that his "Katrina Moment" wasn't playing well with the public. As the titular leader of his party, it was also his duty to attend.

So who won the day? Clearly it was McCain. He showed leadership, take action and a capacity to make decisions. Obama appeared to have been "caught in the headlights." He also took his sweet time to respond.

As a member of the U.S. Senate, it is Obama's job to be present for crucial votes. By accepting Bush's invitation, he ended up doing the blinking.

McCain gave a game-changing performance. He looked and acted presidential. Obama's performance was one of a coward, not of a president.