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After last week's lack of nominees attending the All-American Presidential Forums with Republican candidates, many viewers were left to wonder, “Is this for real?”

Is this what we could imagine to find in terms of leadership under a McCain, Giuliani, Thompson, or Romney presidency?

It's disheartening to know that this was not the first incident in which candidates declined to address certain audiences. It appears as if these candidates decided that it was not in their best interests to show up and discuss issues regarding “minority issues”.

I hope that Americans will really dig deep and do more investigative work when seeking to cast their vote on who will be the best leader of this country for the next four years. We are in desperate need of real leadership in this country, not just selfish ambition. Running for the White House cannot be seen as just a game for sport.

To the candidates that missed the forum, one question that comes to mind is this: Are you basically telling Americans that you are the president of the corporate interests and wealthy Americans? Or, are you going to be the president of both the disenfranchised and the wealthy? The majority and the minority, the homeless, and the well-to-do?

In the same vein of thought, if you can't deal with domestic issues concerning people of color, what credentials do you have to serve as the executive officer in dealings of international security and foreign diplomats?

Candidates seeking the executive office shouldn't be hesitant or unwilling to address issues affecting Americans, people of color across this country, or anyone seeking to better know a candidate who is seeking to lead them. This was a golden opportunity and the opportunity was missed.

It just seems wrong to me gentleman. It just seems wrong.