Thoughts on the Election

I had a hard time deciding whom to vote for in Tuesday's Presidential election. Well, on the way to the polls I decided to vote for Obama. But, then while I was in line I waffled and decided to vote for McCain. But, then when I got to the electronic machine I hit the button for Obama. And when the finalize vote button came up I pushed the vote button and my ballot was cast for the Democrat. For that matter I voted for Democrats in all but one statewide race. That was a first for me. I also voted against every single proposition and amendment on the ballot. I am tired of special interests writing their own legislation and then selling it as a benefit to the general public. I also am tired of ever increasing sales taxes. They are regressive and I will blog on this when time permits.

-I live in Missouri which has been a bellwether state for the last 100 years. But, if the recount holds up, McCain will win by the smallest of margins and break a 52 year streak of Missourians picking the winner. My guess is the vote margin will stand up and probably grow.

-In Senate races in Minnesota and Alaska I have to laugh. In Minnesota a carpet-bagger comedian appears to have lost his race to incumbent senator Norm Coleman. Former Saturday Nite Live comic Al Franken was only 500 votes behind Coleman with three million votes having been counted. If Coleman survives a recount, he would have the...excuse me...uh...last laugh.

-And in Alaska an 84 year old man who was convicted by a federal grand jury ten days ago appears to have won re-election to the Senate. But, again that race is so close there will be a mandated recount of the ballots. Republican Ted Stevens is ahead at this point but absentee ballots are not yet fully counted. He appears to have beaten Democrat Mark Begich. Which makes you wonder what the heck were people in Alaska thinking? If Stevens isn't the poster boy for term limits then no one is. But, could this be a blessing in disguise for Sarah Palin if Stevens wins and then is kicked out by a Democratically controlled congress? Palin would appear to be the heir apparent for the seat if Stevens gets the boot.

Sign Poll...Update

A couple of weeks ago I wrote that based on campaign yard signs Barack Obama was well ahead of John McCain in my neighborhood or at least along the routes I walk. But, the gap has narrowed. I have seen a lot more signs put up by McCain backers in the last week or so. There are still more Obama signs, but it is a lot closer with just nine days until election day.

Leaning Towards Obama

As of this evening I am leaning heavily towards voting for Barack Obama for president.

The crisis being experienced by the financial markets and cost of a gallon of gasoline makes me believe it's time for change. My 401k has gotten killed in the last three quarters and the latest crisis makes it even less bearable. The thought of a continuation of Republican policies has me thinking enough is enough. In addition, the Democrats are running an effective campaign ad asking how John McCain can be a reformer when his top advisers are lobbyists for the industries in need of reform.

If the election were held today, (and I wish it were today and not in six weeks) I would vote for Obama.

Who Are These People

While watching the Nightly News this evening both John McCain and Barack Obama made reference to "The American People".

I know by definition who the American People are, but do the politicians. This term has been used for years. But, it makes me wonder how politicians at the national level really perceive this group called "The American People".

Do these high level politicos really know about the problems of the rest of us and what we have to deal with every day? Or are we just the taxpayers who have to be tolerated every four years when all the pol wants is a vote?

My guess is when someone at the national level uses the term "The American People" it is a reference to an undefined faceless inanimate object. Perhaps the candidates should really be thinking about "The American People" as 300 million living breathing human being with real and diverse problems, wants and needs.

Back to the Undecided Column

A week ago, after the Democratic National Convention I had made up my mind I would vote for Barack Obama for president. But, after the Republican National Convention this week I am not so sure. In fact, I am undecided.

I am impressed with Sarah Palin and her ability to cut through the BS. Ten days ago I was not too familiar with her. But, after taking on the oil industry and good old boys in Alaska her ability to reform has impressed me.

I also thought John McCain did a great job with his acceptance speech on Thursday night. I have always liked him because he is a true war hero and seems to put the nation first. But, if he in fact voted with George Bush II 90% of the time I have some reservations. I am researching his voting record. Why? Because I don't know that I believe the people putting out that statistic.

And I also think a lot of Joe Biden as a fighter. I never really thought of him as presidential material previously, but he can certainly express himself.

In the past I thought the choices for president were poor. (See George Bush, Jr and Al Gore). But this year, we have quality candidates running on both sides. I will post more as I weight the facts and make up my mind.

Choices for President

While out on my daily walk the other day I came across the following bumper sticker:

"Choose One

A. Barack Obama

B. John McCain

C. "Poke in the eye with a sharp stick"