Politically Confused?

by: KK

Copyright@ 2008

I don't normally write about politics, but I'm particularly intrigued with this years election.  I admit that I did not start voting until a few years ago because of my severe distaste for politicians.  That funky taste has gotten worse with Bush-Monster in office.  But, per my first amendment rights, I'm going to throw my "layman's" opinion into the ring.  Keep in mind that although I am a "news junkie" I am not addicted to politics and will be my usually "politically incorrect" self.  I am also not a Democrat or a Republican.  I lean towards Liberal and believe in certain issues on every side. My opinions are based on two things:

1.  Covering the headlines and

2.  A great, new friend who happens to be addicted and schooled with politics. He is great at educating me and agreeing to disagree; )

I started off as an Obama fan.  Why?  Because he is a likeable, charming, educated family man. Why wouldn't the average person be drawn to him for those reasons alone?  But, he is running for President.  Lack of leadership experience comes into play here.  He doesn't have it.  But guess what, the Bush-Monster had it and look where we are now.  Daddy taught him nothing.

Back to Obama.  He has a talent for speaking and had me at "hello."  I believe that with the right people he absolutely could do this job and do it well.  Mistakes will happen.  All president's have made them...sex, drugs and wars...I mean rock & roll baby!  One thing I have to give him, he has not once played the "race card."  I find that highly respectable. He was smart to recognize that pulling that one would have gotten his ass kicked to the curb.  I am remarkably impressed that this country is finally recognizing and respecting not only women running for office, but a minority also.  Black people should be very proud for all that they have fought for and that someone is now standing in a position to not only represent them, but all of America.

On to McCain... I am not impressed.  He has the experience and also one foot in the grave.  He talks in circles and never really answers direct questions with a clear and concise answer.  Basically, he blows steam out of his ass.  But, he blew me away with Sarah Palin.  Admittedly, I was insulted at first. From a woman and mother's point of view, he picked someone to win the female votes.  I still feel this way to a certain extent.

I listened to her entire speech last night and was blown away.  Shock and awe!  She and Obama have something in common...they are GREAT speakers!  She is also a funny, likeable woman. She recites a speech with great presentation and humor.  I could watch her all day.  She is highly entertaining and she has a beautiful family.  Of course, the seventeen year old pregnant daughter took a backseat to the photo ops with the Down Syndrome baby being passed around like a football.  She lost credibility with me on that.  Yes, we are well aware that she is a working mom, with a normal, dysfunctional family.  But, her first run out of the gate and McCain's wife is babysitting already?  Please!

She did not provide a solution for one single issue.  Health care, budget, foreign affairs, education...anyone???

I understand that she would be the Vice President.  But I am not certain I want the "Hockey Mom" to potentially be running our country one day.  My friend posed a question to me regarding whether a mother with a family can handle the responsibility of being in the White House.  I could not give an answer at the time.  But,  he made a valid point, men do it all the time.  They do it with families, scandals, drugs, alcohol and a box full of skeletons in their closets.  Why should a woman be any different?  My friend, I concur.

I do have to give credit where credit is due.  I like a certain quote she recited from her script,