Obama, North Carolina and moving forward.

Barack Obama just closed the deal in North Carolina likely by a big margin. The attribution for this victory in the media are black voters in the state. I don't really think that this is really the story. While the race polarization of the campaign has been driven by the Clinton campaign, it is clear that Mr Obama needs to make a change in the national discussion.

While I have continued to express concern over Obama's way too liberal policies, he still represents what I believe to be a 'good man' politically. I could have a beer with Barack Obama and could never imagine that with Hillary Clinton. There is something there to build on. But what does he need to do to get back on track with the general electorate?

Number one, he needs to stop seeming so indifferent. He can be a fighter and still not stoop to outrageous partison politics. Second, he needs to speak for himself. His wife can make a speech but her message is frankly more polarizing than helpful. Anbd we won't even get into his preacher or other 'friends'. Third, he needs to stop the pandering on things like NAFTA and take leadership positions that aren't easily impeached by real economic data. Fourth, continue his 'take the fight to the terrorist' message. I don't agree with him but when he was in Philadelphia speaking about it, I could respect his position. And lastly, please stop the 'soak the rich and shower the little guy approach'. While tasty rhetoric everyone knows that it is the same old liberal playbook.

Forget all that. Lead Mr Obama. Don't pander. Don't race bait. Don't allow yourself to be defined by negative people. Just lead. And then the national discussion will really begin!

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