Typically, it's the trailing candidate who wants debates and more debates. Remember how Hilllary tried and failed to make an issue out of Obama's refusal to debate during the Wisconsin primary? Since McCain is tanking in the polls, one would think that he would be eager to debate -- as trailing candidates usually are. Debates are the only remaining game-changer left for McCain --especially since the election is likely to be all about the economy - his weak suit. 

McCain is  calling for the first debate to be postponed.   But why exactly?   Some say he FEARS a debate.   Some say he's attempting to SHIFT THE SPOTLIGHT  away from his sagging polls and Obama's mini-surge.   Some say he's trying to lay a trap of some unspecified sort for Obama. 

None of that makes any sense to me.  If he were reacting on the basis of sheer brass knuckle political calculations,  wouldn't he be SEEKING debates, right now? 

But I must be missing something, since every pundit and blogger on our side seems to be looking at this as a failed political play of some sort on McCain's part.  
But what's the political play even supposed to be? Have I missed something?  
Wouldn't debates be the political play for McCain?  If not, why not?