I’m starting to realize that the reason I haven’t written a new political post in such a long time is not through lack of topics or shortage of entertainment but I’m simply bored with the process. I think we have come to the point in the election cycle where we are quite literally counting down the days to November 4th. Who really hasn’t made up their minds yet? I really don’t believe there is a such thing as “Independents” that must be won over, at least not this late in the game. You either love Obama’s charisma and new ideas or praise McCain’s patriotism and stand-alone attitude. Nothing new about the nominees will be revealed in the next few weeks; independents: (what ever that means) it’s time to fish or cut bait. You’ve made your decision or if you haven’t than you simply haven’t been paying enough attention and need to stop hiding your ignorance behind the veil of ‘waiting for some unknown event.’
Which brings me to my next point. It’s starting to hit me that the election is not about ideas, it’s not about personalities, it’s not about parties, so I don’t know what it is about. I belive I am safe in saying it is not about ideas because one side (yes, the side I favor) seems to have an open plan of action to get the United States back economically, fiscally, and environmentally; while the other side does not hide the fact that it has agreed with the failed Bush policies 90% of the time–that’s not their attack plan. Obama has a plan while McCain simply wants to scare you out of voting for an “unknown.”
But is the election really about candidates either? If we can remember how close the last two presidential elections were than we certainly see a connection with the tightening in this race. It seems the American people do not care who is running, they remain equally divided. I think both sides would argue the candidates they have put forth this election are dramatically more appealing than their 2004 counterparts. If it is obvious that one person can unite and excite so many (i.e. Regan and Clinton) and one person can destroy an entire country and popularity system (Dubya) than why is 2008 still so close?
Personally, I think it is because it is not about candidates and it is not about current issues. When it comes down to it we don’t care about your Iraq policy or new forms of energy; we really still just care if you are going to tax us or not (note McCain’s new attack ads warning of Obama taxing. Yes, he will tax the top 5 or 10% but lower taxes for everyone else. That’s how Democrats work, not just Obama. Move on dot Org!); are you going to be pro-life or pro-choice; will you support gay rights or conserve Christian moral values? I would aruge that this is what the last election was about and it seems what November 4th is shaping up to be as well.
I guess what I am trying to say is that it is time we look at candidates and their current issues and not the philosophies of their respective parties. Don’t vote for a person because that is who your party nominated, vote because they will be the best woman or man for the job. I hate to say it, but if you don’t think they will be better than I would suggest not voting rather than voting for something you don’t believe in. Ok, time to get biased: McCain may be a Vet but still gets D ratings by veteran advocacy groups. He may be a “maverick” but still agrees with 90% of Bush’s failed policies. He may be more “experienced” but he will still be the oldest President ever to hold the office, if elected. He wants to stay in Iraq at the cost of Billions of American tax dollars and thousands of real American lives.
Obama may be young, he may be inexperienced, but he is smart, he is charismatic, the world loves him, and he has a plan. He is who we need now. Just think about it… Don’t vote for old party ideals (of either side). Vote because you pay attention to world and domestic issues and you seriously know your candidate is better for the next 4 or 8 years.
