• CONCERN FOR OBAMA’S DOWN TREND

The promotion of most senior executives to higher office rarely occurs without the individual having been tested by adverse conditions. While it is easy to look good when all winds are blowing in your favor, how one manages under pressure and stress as currents and squalls are applying opposing force, becomes a harbinger of future action and reaction. A relentless and indefatigable Hillary Clinton has tested Barack Obama's abilities under fire. In the final days of the Democratic race, Obama appeared to acquiesce, allowing Hillary to take the momentum advantage.

With Democratic voters almost evenly divided between the two candidates, one would have expected the marginal leader to come out with strong leadership statements on the most critical element of concern to the voters, the economy and foreign affairs. Sound-tough rants about NAFTA are not going to improve taxpayer concerns, nor are they demonstrations of any grasp of the real international trade factors impacting the U.S. The candidates should have become more familiar with the level of integration between America and Canada’s energy economies, as they pertain to oil, natural gas and hydroelectric power.

The shuttling of Democratic Superdelegates over to Obama has been energized more by “bringing an end to the race” than it has been a result of Obama leading a surge. Obama's evident reliance on Clinton’s inability to overcome her dislikability factor has not borne him well. Even if this particular race is over, the polls present disconcerting evidence for anyone anxious for a serious political shift in the White House and deliverance from policies of the past seven years. Obama needs to attract some support from a broader base than he has demonstrated the ability to achieve. He should ignore vengefully idiotic suggestions from the likes of Dick Morris, and he would be well advised to put the egos aside, and invite Hillary aboard as his running mate. With Clinton's support base, particularly in key constituencies and demographic groups, Obama would guarantee himself the White House. The race would be over. Suggestions of Bill’s meddling are vacuous. Bill is busy traveling the world making hundred million dollar deals with his friends, and would not be at the top of invitee list for participation in Obama cabinet meetings.

In a game where flat-lining is as bad as a down trend, Obama needs to convince the voting public that under stress, he can take up the flag and lead a charge with conviction on the most important elements facing the nation. He needs to also arm himself with more homework on economics and foreign affairs. A whole country is anxiously anticipating new leadership to reverse trends, economic and otherwise.