Wow! So the unexpected release of McCain's running mate is out there. The day he put it out there I do have to say that the Obama speech was still fresh in the minds of most. However with the bold stroke of genius by McCain this served to deflate the Obama acceptance speech; by choosing a woman and an outsider with a reputation of reformer. This obviously left the Democratic party scrambling as well as most of us. This bold tactic just proved to our nation that McCain is a worthy adversary to Obama. I believe that this will prove to be a great race!
I happen to agree this election just got more interesting. You think that Obama would be leading the polls by double digit margins, considering how "horrible" the bush administration is, but he is currently leading by 8 points. This is going to be one interesting ride till Election day.
I agree - this race just got interesting.
Obama is now behind in the polls.
Early on, perhaps some thought the VP candidate would "shake up" the campaign up more than I do. Initially, she made a difference, distracting us from the substance and issues of the campaign, in favor of personalities. McCain, I suspect, will be held accountable for the pick of a VPOTUS candidate who tells us she is ready yet appears to many of us, not to be ready for VP or if need be, POTUS. Many, many others that are qualified, could have been selected. Don't take my word for it, many prominent conservatives say so.
That the Gov. remains sequestered from the press, implying that she somehow needs to be controlled, scripted and under lock and key, does not allow me as a voter to know her more than image control by the McCain campaign; it as if she is a traditional wife from the 1890's and is not allowed to speak freely without permission. Not at all confidence inducing, is it? It implies a certain kind of sexism that I suspect will grate on women of any age, in a way McCain has failed to comprehend. What was acceptable once, is no longer. Gov Palin is turning out to be a liability. What may have been good strategy for McCain is turning out to be very helpful to his opponent. Gov Palin is a great tool for Obama's extraordinary fundraising. Every attack helps Obama be stronger and galvanizes his supporters.
The focus is now back on the top of the ticket, where it belongs..It is the top of the ticket that decides the outcome of most presidential races as I suspect will be the case in 2008, too. Palin was a short distraction from the issues; that appears what McCain wanted, as he does badly on most issues, with one exception: We do think McCain can take us to war. Is that a place you want him to take us? Iran, Pakistan, North Korea, Georgia? Let's hope not!
We collectively do not believe McCain can handle the economy; based on his 26 years in Congress, and the last years, in particular, I have no confidence that McCain will do anything but adopt Bush's failed policies. He has never supported deregulation, until a few days ago. Is there some reason I would believe him now? Now, we have this major economic crisis confronting us. McCain does not appear up to the task.
Unemployment in MN was last announced at 6.2%. Some states are over 7.5% unemployment. These numbers will go higher. Is that what you want? I won't gamble on McCain; the Democrats have always been better on the economy; I suspect they will be again.
Then, in this election, we have an elephant in the room - the issue of race: one of the candidates has a skin color different than some of us. My take is that Obama is both a black man and a white man, and is mixed race like Tiger Woods. He has been socialized by his white grandparents from Kansas, more so than anyone else. When I listen to Obama, I hear a somewhat long winded, well educated middle class guy talking, who came from humble background. (I sometimes wish he would speak in shorter sentences, too, yet I like that he can inspire and does.) Someone helped him understand that getting a very good educaton was a ticket to a better future. Wouldn't you want the same for your kids or grandkids. or yourself? Obama made good on that encouragment and has the intellect and skill set to leads us.
I, like many of you, am of mixed background, Danish, Norwegian. Scotch, Irish, French and German. Most of us are mixed; with Obama you can just see it, visually. Some may wonder, given Obama's visible blackness, if they can vote for him. I hope that you decide you can. Obama is also as Protestant as I am Lutheran. He will get my vote.
If you are like most of us, you think the USA is going in the wrong direction. I suspect, as of today, Sept 24, 2008, that almost 100% of us now think the USA is going in the wrong direction, given the economic situation staring us in the face. If so, how can you possibly allow the Republicans to control the White House for another four years, potentially 8?
I used to like McCain, used to think of him as honorable; Now though I see he is running the most deceitful and dishonorable campaign I have ever seen. I recall that George W. Bush, prior to the election, said he was a moderate; I voted for him once, that was a mistake. I saw where that got us. No one trusts him, domestically and internationally and that has caused severe damage to the USA. McCain says he is a reformer, but I see no evidence to support that claim, I won't take his word for it. I remain more skeptical than ever about either Bush's or McCains's honesty and forthrightness.
Thank you for reading. Please give serious consideration to voting for Obama. Thank you and good day.
By the way, Obama is now leading in most polls, but they will vacillate and the election looks like it will be close; Your vote matters. You can register now or at the polls with proper ID. VOTE!