Obama’s got a tough line to walk. He can’t let Bush’s success overshadow his own message. And he can’t embrace Bush’s success without diluting his own “change” message. So I believe Obama has played the best hand – emphasize himself.

Is he vunerable to McCain’s attacks? Definitely. But as long as he keeps moving, keeps the media’s attention by his manuvering – as long as he doesn’t slow down to actually fight McCain toe to toe – he’ll win. Obama’s got to keep up the celebrity-like energy, keep moving and avoid the temptation to turn and fight. Obama did a pretty good job in the Clinton debates, maybe he can dance around McCain’s knockout punches too.

But can Mr.Bojangle’s keep up the old soft-shoe to the election? I don’t know. McCain is definitely “on his six” and firing away.