Here is a question I sent to Obama (indirectly) on his blog site. As far as I could tell, their blog format was not at all like this one. I had to, practically, pledge my allegiance and my profile and establish friends first, before I could submit a comment like this directly to their blog. Very controlled.

Here is the Question I was able to send through their "Contact us" venue:

QUESTION: It's not hard for me to see Obama's image which is wonderfully activist. So, why will he not take McCain head-on in a townhall meeting? His stance on that seems an oxymoron to what he professes. I'm really confused by his lack of courage in this way, and it's like he has to control a situation himself, otherwise he will not take it on - like a man coming up from the back of the ranks but never really moving ahead first before becoming the leader - always hiding behind the emotions of the masses. All the blogs do not answer this question that goes to the very core of the character and integrity of Obama himself.

Now, it seems like there ought to be a way to establish that he, Obama, is in reality a coward. That would be the LAST of accusations that McCain would want to say because he, himself, is such an honorable man, and he would consider that the worst of the worst that he, himself, would not want to receive - McCain's character IS one of integrity.

But, couldn't we get around this FOR McCain and help him out a bit? Like a series of very focused-on-character-and-integrity situations that reflect Obama's lack of it? AND, in contrast, McCain being that who he is?

NOW might be just right timing, since there are some Obama supporters becoming disgruntled with (finally they are seeing) Obama's bait-and-switch tactics (and I say trickery). As well, the news media has been quick to pick up on this issue (of Obama's not accepting McCain's invitation to a townhall meeting) and asking their interviewees about it. Like, I am waiting - I want to KNOW and see both in a real conversation, not contrived and controlled to a setting that suits only one person. Since Obama will not accept the townhall meeting, he should then be challenged to so in a different way. The challenge should be tweaked, and tweaked, and tweaked again until he DOES accept. This can be done by compromise (without compromising what is right). McCain, the maverick that he is, can do this VERY well. Why not give that empowerment to McCain and let him demonstrate how well he CAN do this.

For example, where Obama gets a controlled debate (between he and McCain) before a large crowd, McCain would get a townhall, more subdued dialogue, one-on-one between the two of them. Obama NEEDS to be put on the spot to where he WILL take on this challenge instead of hiding behind the popular flow of what feels good for the moment. McCain likewise needs to demonstrate courage and confidence in his God who will carry him through, even before a large crowd, and everyone else who are professed Christians need to stop quivering in their boots about it.

McCain NEEDS to pursue and show he is the one willing to present his ideas before the people in a real way, not contrived, by continuing to seek a compromise but never letting go of at least one townhall meeting on his turf.

But, whatever we do, don't accept the "Well, Obama didn't take us up on our offer". (And, if we just wait, and not keep prodding, at least on a weekly basis, then it is effectively accepting.) Instead, be willing to meet Obama half-way. Get somebody in there to negotiate this. What this will do is demonstrate McCain is taking the lead, and is also able to work together with others to get something done the right way. There's nothing better than a right on, here-and now, challenge that stirs the people to WANT to see the outcome. McCain is in a perfect spot to do this, take the lead, pursue it, be persistent, week-by-week always a little different strategy to goad Obama into finally succumbing. McCain CAN do this! Just release him and let him - and try not to regulate him so much - otherwise, THAT is an oxymoron!

Of course, Obama will try to supercede McCain's lead to make it look like he is the one who has the right idea first, because that is what he is doing all the time. But, McCain has such a humility, he can let Obama think that, while he (McCain) is actually getting done what is right. And, then, afterwards it can be seen, known, and clarified that, indeed, McCain was the one who led. But, even if the latter didn't happen, how better it is to leave a campaign with YOUR integrity in store and knowing you did the right thing.

(I do not agree with some, that McCain should be stepping up pace and causing issues to be more the topic, because that is actually buying into what Obama is all about - taking the focus off him and putting it onto his debate style and charissma. McCain's humbleness can work to his advantage. It is a stark contrast to Obama's style of arranging huge crowds to surround him. And, that IS the issue.)

McCain NEEDS to do more of his quiet, persistent prodding which is more effective in the long run. How many fables and morals have we learned from this kind of process? The Wind and the Sun, the Hare and the Tortoise, The Little Taylor and the Giants in Seven at a Blow, David and Goliath, and the stories are endless. Let's help put McCain up front as to who he really is - one of these humble ones who WILL win!

Finally, there are so many feel-good people liking Obama's handshakes, saying there's electricity and compassion coming from his very being, which means they will not see he is actually the Pied Piper leading them right over the cliff. It really isn't about issues; it's about character and the true motivation of the heart. Obama will keep everybody off track - not to see the real him - by keeping the huge crowds right there in front and making issues the topic rather than who he is himself. And, the only way we can know who he really is, will be if he takes on the challenges that he does not have complete control over. (That's what the choice of the Denver stadium for the Democratic convention is all about - pomp and flare for Obama - and I have not seen yet one humble bone in his body.)

Now that's pretty scary - the masses going right over the cliff, while he is watching them doing it. He will set them on a course to follow, then he will switch, but (in their hypnotic state) they will keep on going, right over.

Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion in this free forum.

Listen the presidency does not consist of public speaking skills at all. Furthermore, the president has a speech writer that will take care of that for the next presidency. In the meantime we have McCain who plans to get an excellent running mate to continue his legacy of honesty. Really what out Colin Powel may just surprise all of us . Therefore Obama really needs to look in the mirror and realize that the Presidency is more than Campaign Rhetoric against the Republican party.