By Matt Rooney | August 18, 2008

The Democratic Convention is only a week away, and Senator Barack Obama has chosen to take his family on an extended Hawaiian vacation. I hope the Kauai cocktails are worth it, as Obama's vacation may prove to be a major strategic blunder.

Naturally, the mainstream media will continue to view anything Obama does through rose-colored glasses:

While many wealthy people and celebrities have second homes in Hawaii, the Obamas have no luxury compound or ranch that could someday become a summer (or winter) White House. What they have are friends, relatives and roots.

Associated Press writer Mark Niesse didn't stop there, going to great lengths to emphasize the Spartan quality of Obama's tropical getaway:

Hamburgers Obama ordered and personally carried out the door for the beach picnic cost about $8 each. After taking in an expansive view of Oahu and the ocean from the Pali Lookout (no admission fee), he and his daughters slurped the icy dessert of shave ice at Island Snow Hawaii—$2.50 for the regular size.

Mark Niesse's vote is clearly decided, but I can't say the same for growing numbers of Americans uncomfortable with Senator Obama's recent behavior. Obama could have fought back, spending the run-up to the convention announcing his running mate and going on a whirlwind tour of battleground states. It's not like the media wouldn't have enthusiastically covered it, and voters seem to be paying attention much earlier this year. Now, while Barack reads a People's Magazine in a hammock, his media sychophants are resigned to making excuses for his vacation (for example, Mark Niesse's essay on Barack's humble Hawaiian escape).

What happened? Obama's handlers panicked. Concerned that their man was over-exposed, the Obama Campaign leadership sent him packing to Hawaii and, inadvertently, forfeited the initiative to Senator McCain.

The consequences? Senator Obama is hemoraging ground in RCP battleground polling aggregations.

Maika'i pomaika'i, Senator!