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Despite my admiration for Obama -- and my sincere hope that he is elected -- I think it's time to ask Axelrod a question: What happened? The campaign seems to be stuck in neutral, Obama seems to be shrinking from the typical Republican attacks and, let's face it, he could be auditioning for a remake of "Flipper" with his move-to-the-center policy "refinements." The bold and brave image of the primaries has morphed into something...not so bold and not so brave.
The convention stadium speech sounded like a great idea -- before Berlin. Now it will only play into the Messiah image that I fear is gaining traction with the electorate. I suppose it is too late to switch venues; perhaps they can stay in an extended close-up throughout the speech and avoid showing vast aerial shots of adoring throngs.
I truly believe Obama can reverse the recent slide with a great convention speech, sharp debate appearances and, most importantly, by facing John McCain face to face in town-hall meetings. The more the merrier. This is the way Americans will get to know the real Obama and not the skewed fabrication the McCain camp has created to deflect the flaws of their own clown-of-a-candidate.
Picking the perfect VP won't make a bit of a difference if Obama can't orchestrate a way to personally connect with independents and fed-up moderate Republicans. Pouring money into slick counter-attack ads is important -- but challenging John McCain on his own town-hall turf is the way to turn this campaign around.
