Countdown: Five Days (Obama and Sheila Dixon)

In two days, President-elect Barack Obama is scheduled to participate in a public event in downtown Baltimore as part of his journey by train to Washington, D.C. and the Inaugural festivities beginning this Sunday.

Ten months ago, before the Potomac Primaries (MD, VA, and DC), the political landscape of the Democratic Party of Maryland was split between Senators Clinton and Obama. One of the first supporters for Obama was Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. Obama went on to win Maryland and that sweep established Obama as the front runner in the tightly contested nomination process.

Now, Obama is President-elect and Dixon is indicted on twelve counts (including theft, perjury and misconduct in office). Two days ago, Dixon was photographed in a official meeting in a compromising pose that I have attached to this posting. Her staff told reporters that she was adjusting her glasses… well, you be the judge.

Dixon was scheduled to appear with Obama on the steps of Baltimore City Hall where Dixon announced her support for him with Baltimore Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-7, MD). Will Dixon still appear with Obama on Saturday? If so, what does that say about Obama? What is more important to him – a “Change” that involves holding political allies accountable for wrongdoing or turning a blind eye to big city politics as usual.

My hope is that Obama will politely inform Mayor Dixon that it would be better of she did not attend the event. Unfortunately, in political reality, he can not appear in Baltimore without her… so “Change” will take a back seat to political expediency once again.