[DouglasKC]

The approach is quintessential Obama, who as a candidate and now as president has tended to let tenuous dramas unfold without remark unless he absolutely must, lest his words or actions adversely influence a precarious situation.

Translated: The polling hasn't come back yet to tell him how to react.

[Sister_T]

Exactly!

[luvbach1]

Barry could leave resolution to the discretion of the commander(s) on the scene who might have the courage to act that he lacks. He could then take the credit if events played out well. But alas, he would also have to take responsibility if they went awry. Thus he is frozen in his tracks.