Could it possibly be a question about how to act appropriately in a situation like this? Last I checked Bush is still the President, and for right or wrong, he and his administration have the responsibility to present the U.S. stance in any foreign situation or crisis.

That John McCain preempts the administration's statement and official position, and furthermore proceeds to send his own "emissaries" to Tbilisi and speaking publicly directly to Georgia and Russia, has the possibility of undercutting confidence in America's position. I think it might also have the adverse effect of limiting what options the White House has to choose between.

Bottom line. You touting "John McCain immediately went on the attack" as virtue is missing the point. The first thing you should consider is: Was it a good idea?!!. So I'd suggest to you KenTX that Obama wasn't slow. He was honoring the American Polical System, by acknowlegding that there is only one president, no matter if he agrees with him or not.