I agree with Lee on this one. It's a brilliant tactical maneuver and inspired political theater.

If Obama insists on the debate he comes across as political and partisan and not willing to put aside the campaign and "pitch in" for the good of the country. If he cooperates with McCain he looks like he's meekly following behind, and taking a subsidiary role to a "real leader". Either way he goes he looks like a jerk and McCain comes off as a patriot and a statesman.

As for motives, McCain is simply putting as much time between this market crash and the first debate as he can. He wants this debacle to be on page 2 when the debate is finally held. I would do exactly the same thing if I were in his shoes, but I doubt I would have been sneaky enough to have thought of it.

This, and the Palin selection, makes me wonder if maybe Rove is actually the grey eminence behind this campaign.