So McCain seems to have put things on hold to head to Washington to focus on the economy. Well, I’m no pundit and I’m not about to start spouting forth about the campaign itself, but allow me a little spouting about his decision.

It’s not consistent. It seems like the news that the economic situation has put Obama ahead in the polls plus Friday’s presidential debate has given McCain some serious willies.

The decision to put his campaign on hold and his request to postpone the debate is crazy, especially when Bush has invited both McCain and Obama to Washington to discuss the bailout plan and Obama has said that the debate should go ahead.

I have no problem with McCain focusing on what’s happening in the markets and where the bailout plan is heading, but his decision shows a real inconsistency and communicates the wrong message.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid issued a statement saying that the presidential debate should go on, saying “If there were ever a time for both candidates to hold a debate before the American people about this serious challenge, it is now.”

Exactly. What’s happening in the world – whether it’s the economy, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, Zimbabwe or Somalia – makes it even more important that the White House is inhabited by a leader who can look at more than one thing at a time.

If it’s an honest and integrity-lead decision, his request to postpone the debate would cast doubt on his ability to do the job and trust his team. If the decision’s one that comes from the needs of his campaign then it shows a huge lack of confidence in the campaign direction, debate performance and support team. If it was a consistent, congruent and confident presidential team they wouldn’t need to put things on hold and duck out of the debate.

A confident leader is one who doesn’t pull back from the big game when the going gets tough

Sure, you need to adjust the rudder if the wind changes, but McCain’s decision is inconsistent with his aims, and shows a serious lack of confidence and consistency.