Why so close?

Taking a glance at the latest polls, we find Obama up by 3 points according to Rasmussen, and 8 points according to Gallup. Despite Obama's steady - albeit slight - lead over McCain, Obama is yet to breach the 50% threshold. The question du jour is: why is this race still so close?

Consider the constant fawning coverage Barack Obama has received from the mainstream media, versus the pittance garnered by McCain. Then throw in the apparent incompetence of McCain's campaign, and it's a wonder Obama isn't soaring into the public opinion stratosphere!

Clearly, Americans are apprehensive about Obama. He's the most attractive, most charming, and most inspiring figure in American politics. Nevertheless, he is an empty suit. He has no experience that qualifies him to be president. I think undecided Americans suspect as much and have declined, thus far, to embrace him.

McCain, conversely, is a known commodity. Americans admire his military service and overwhelmingly believe he's qualified to be president. He's conservative enough to offer skeptical Republicans a viable candidate to support, and simultaneously he appeals to centrists with the occasional aberration from conservative political orthodoxy. Still, he excites and inspires no one.

The answer to the question: "why so close," is that independents are waiting - and perhaps hoping - that Obama succeeds in proving to them his presidential worthiness. Their misgiving is all that prevents Obama from shooting past the finish line and leaving the lethargic John McCain in his wake.