Analysis: McCain's debate ploy a sign of weakness

Republican presidential candidate John McCain's decision to pull out of Friday night's presidential debate is a sign that he lacks leadership and is losing the national debate on the key issue of the economy, several observers said on Wednesday.

"I think this is a gimmick, pure and simple," said Tom Schaller, a political commentator and professor of political science at the University of Maryland. "McCain is losing the national conversation on the economy, so he's looking for some attempt to prove he is high-minded and above mere campaign and debate politics.

"It looks like he's trying to call a time out in the middle of a presidential campaign and then take credit for it."

Mr. McCain said on Wednesday he was needed in Washington to help deal with the financial crisis. Democratic candidate Barack Obama said that a presidential candidate should be able to deal with the debate and the crisis.

"It's my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who, in approximately 40 days, will be responsible for dealing with this mess," Mr. Obama said.

The decision by Mr. McCain came on the same day that a Washington Post-ABC News poll showed that Mr. Obama now holds a nine-point lead in the race because of the pessimism surrounding the economy.