And there was Dancing in the Streets

Barack Obama has received the honor of becoming the President Elect of the United States of America. Never have we seen such joyous reaction by his supporters; there was literally dancing in the streets.

Yes, We Can...

This election has been historic in many ways, but the one thing that has been the most amazing, has been the turn out at the voting booths. I am so glad we have had an election in which the entire US has been so involved. The candidates had very different views on the economy, health care, social security, the Iraq war, and our place in the world.

John McCain is truly an American Hero and will continue to work hard for his home state of Arizona and for the US. I believe he will be one of our new President's strong supporters and will help lead the way in getting our nation on track.

Yes, We Can!!!

Palin???

Sarah Palin...a big question mark for the John McCain campaign. Yes, she is a "Maverick" like McCain; yes, she is a very likable person (a soccer-mom, if you will) and yes, she is a well respected governor of the state of Alaska. I have tried to find fault with her personally, tried to dislike her; but I can't.

However, I still question McCain's judgement in picking her as his running mate and a potential second in command of our country. What was he thinking?? or was he thinking?? Is this VP pick an example of his leadership style?? Sort of "Shoot first, and ask questions later" approach to governing?? I don't like it.

For someone who has had years, and I do mean years, to select a vice-president running mate, why did he pick an unknown...unknown not only to the USA in general, but also unknown to him as well? Why take a chance like this? Desperation comes to mind, but also ignorance of what we need in the White House, manipulation of the Republican base, and arrogance in thinking he could control her every move until elected.

McCain needed a Cheerleader and he got one. I don't care how much the Republican Party spent on her hair, clothes, and make-up. What I do care about is her reckless name-calling and labeling of Barack Obama and the Democratic Party. Palin was hired to do the dirty work of McCain...that keeps his hands clean. And McCain also has a fall guy to blame when things don't work out.

We all vote for various reasons and philosophies, but I hope when you do get in that election booth, you consider not only the policies our parties represent, but also the manner in which they are presented. Vote for the person you feel will make the best President and Vice-President for our country and who will represent us best in the world arena.

Belmont Presidential Debate 2008

The Presidential debate of October 7th, 2008 has come and gone. The debate was uneventful to say the least; but what happened after the debate was over, tells me more about the candidates than anything else.

While McCain feels he has "won" Tennessee and doesn't need to expend any more energy on gaining votes,(TN has voted Republican the last few Presidential elections) he missed a good chance to work the crowd of Tennessee voters. He shook a few hands and left the stage.

Obama stayed as long as the secret service would allow... shaking hands, thanking everyone, posing for pictures, signing autographs. This is what will be remembered.

Even though the media gave Obama a slight edge in "winning" the debate, he definitely won some undecided votes by his openness and willingness to meet the public and acknowledge their hard work in preparing for it. After all, Belmont University and the people of Nashville and Tennessee, did sponsor the debate and gave countless hours and spent tons of money to be the sponsor. Granted the sponsors do benefit from the publicity, tourism, etc. Plus it is an honor to be selected as a debate site. Tennesseans can be proud of their efforts.