A cautious candidate

Re “Confessions from the campaign trail,” Column One, Oct. 28

If Peter Nicholas wants an answer as to why Barack Obama has been cautious and cool during his run for the presidency, he needs only to read his own column. In it, Nicholas confesses that it was his “flawed” reporting that fed a false news story that day about Obama refusing to fist-bump with a small child.

Obama has learned the hard way when it comes to letting down his guard. Trusted friends, associates and former pastors have turned out to be liabilities as this campaign has progressed. The McCain camp scans the news daily, ready to twist any free-floating statement from the Illinois senator into an indictment. Obama’s comment on how small-town Americans cling to guns and religion is a perfect example of that.

I don’t fault Obama for being guarded. There are many forces out there who wish to destroy him and his bid for the presidency. I’m sure that he does not want to give them any help.

Jerome S. Woolfork

Los Angeles