Is it just me or is there something odd here?

I read this and just thought it was odd...Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and John McCain were scheduled to take part in the anniversary day events that were to include a recommitment march through Memphis and the laying of wreaths at the site...

of King's assassination. Sen. Barack Obama will be campaigning in Indiana.

Considering how far our nation has come in the last 40 years, I would think that Mr. Obama would be present and I thought it might of been very inspiring to have him read the I have a dream speech. I don't know maybe I am wrong. What do you think?

Well, he did give a pretty stirring speech on the topic yesterday while on the campaign trail, which was good.

I don't think his absence is anything to worry about. He's actually in North Dakota, where he had been invited to attend another function. These candidates get pretty busy on the campaign and I can see how a scheduling conflict could prevent him from being in Memphis.

So I guess I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.

perhaps obama didn't want to be just another politician using the anniversary for political gain.

amoeba...I would not have considered it a political gain from him. I would have looked at it more along the lines of giving hope. How far our country has gone in 40 years.

funadvice...I missed the speech. I would have loved to of heard it...Out of all the candidates, I do love his speeches. He is very moving with them.

butterflydreamsdragonflywings -
I agree with what you are saying but as a memphis resident who reenacted the march with my mom (my parents marched with dr. king) and attended many of the ceremonies...
most of the political speeches rang false and were very pandering. the most moving speeches were given by many of the original civil rights workers. my husband plays keyboards in a neo-soul/funk band and they played a party to honor the workers. the speeches given there (though less formal) were also very moving and real.
I am an obama supporter and I also enjoy his speeches and would have loved to opportunity to hear him speak at the lorraine motel but I was okay with the fact that obama was elsewhere and unable to attend.