Other than look like a deer in the headlights. From the campaign:

This was candidate Obama, 15 July 2008: "I will send at least two additional combat brigades to Afghanistan, and will use this commitment to seek greater contributions-with fewer restrictions-from Nato allies".

And he told CBS on 21 July, "For at least a year now, I have called for two additional brigades, perhaps three".

And in a 26 July interview: "I'm not here to lay out a comprehensive military strategy. That's the job of our commanders on the ground. I can tell you what our strategy goals should be. ... They should be rlatively modest. ... We should want to get out of there as quickly as we can and help the Afghans govern themselves and provide for their own security. Our critical goal should be to make sure thyat the Taliban and al Qaida are routed and that they cannot project threats against us from that region. And to do that, I think we need more troops. ..."

Now, Gen. McChrystal has weighed in, asking for 40,000 more troops to secure the country. What is Obama waiting for? McChrystal's opinion is indeed the only one that matters. All other opinions, at least the ones that are informed enough to matter, are already encompassed into the final "opinion" that McChrystal presents to the CIC and the Pentagon. That opinion has been debated, debunked, supported, rejected, put back together, summarized and then "signed off on" by everyone at the command level.

Why can't Obama decide?

That's what happens when you elect the best debater on the college debate team as your President and CEO.

Let's study it. Let's contemplate. Let's figure it out. Let's not get trapped in a timeline for making a decision. Oh my God.....I don't know what to do.....the military is telling me that they need a troop surge to handle the situation.....I hope I don't lose my libral supporters.....maybe I can find a way to distract everyone.....

Oh wait, I'm doing really good with Iran. I have them really scared. And I've managed to position it where the French actually look tougher than me.....that should really help with my credibility in the world.....maybe I should crank up the apology circuit.....

Ug.....