Erratic is Not a Term You Want to Describe Your President

Risky moves could define McCain's leadership

With 38 days left in the presidential race, McCain's unorthodox moves in the last week have created a sobering political story line: What did his roll of the dice do to his political profile?

"A president has to be steady on course. And the hallmark of presidents is that, in the 21st century, we've got to believe in their leadership skills - that they know how to take advice, make reasonable decisions," said Michael Semler, professor of politics at California State University Sacramento. "They are not individual flyboys. They have to work with people."

"Maverickdom," he said, may be a label that political consultants like to tout - but voters may view with skepticism.