If only. Read LJ’s two posts on the subject, first and second, paying special attention to the use of the word “pledge.” Did the Messiah promise not to do any fundraising for the general election by accepting public funds? Given the difference between the cap on public money — around $85 million — and the kind of bank he can expect to make if he opts out, that’s a huge win for Maverick in eliminating the Democrats’ fundraising advantage. McCain’s been hammering him on it all week. Which leaves Obama with five options:

1. Abide by the pledge and give up that moneybomb advantage. Not a chance.

2. Deny that he ever “pledged” to take public funds and weasel out of the deal. Possible.

3. Offer McCain an alternative deal which he’ll never accept because it plays too much to Obama’s advantages. See the “$150 contribution” proposal in LJ’s second post.

4. Accept the deal and shunt the moneybombs off onto 527s:

As the two campaigns dueled, people on both sides said it was possible that they would agree to accept public financing and then simply have each political party spend unlimited amounts on behalf of its candidate, including money for voter mobilization efforts and television commercials, as allowed by law.

5. Admit that he “pledged” but has to break his pledge now because he’s got a movement thing going that people want to be part of and, goshdarnit, it wouldn’t be fair to them to deny them the fun of donating. Weak, but still preferable to number one.

Exit question: Which’ll it be? Regardless, his weaseliness might make for a nice campaign ad.