“Yes we can” and “Change we can believe in” has been the rallying cry of the Obama campaign from the start. Sen. Obama has inspired and energized millions with his campaign for change and promises to fix a polarized political system and government. He has positioned himself as a different type of politician, one who will put the needs of the country and people above his own political ambition. He has done this with words since he has he relatively little legislative experience.

In life, and in politics, timing is everything. Obama came on to the scene at just the right time when the electorate is ready for change and may be willing to bet on an inspiring yet inexperienced leader. His words have made a difference yet this last week we have been shown that he himself may not live up to his inspiring rhetoric. Late last week, he backtracked on an earlier promise to accept public financing during the general election. Had he accepted public financing like he said he would, Obama would have 84 million dollars to use for the general campaign- the same amount as McCain. Now he will be free to spend however much money he can raise- which will likely be hundreds of millions of dollars. If the elections are decided by the candidate who spends the most money, then Obama will surely be the next president.

The issue isn’t that he will outspend Sen. McCain, the issue is that this reversal shows that his words and promises may be empty, just like other politicians. Reversal on a promise is not indicative of the kind of change the electorate is hoping for. Had Obama kept his word and accepted public financing, in spite of the hundreds of millions he could have raised, just because he said he would- that would be the kind of change people would actually believe in. When the opportunity arose for Obama to show what he is made of, his actions showed the people that “No he won’t” while the chorus of his campaign continues with “Yes we can.”