The issue we dont like to think about

An issue that though its rarely talked about that lies just under the surface in the minds of many Americans is, what if something happened to either John McCain or Barack Obama after they were elected President. It is an issue I don't like to think about either but McCain's choice in Vice President has forced me to do so more and more.

What if? That leaves us with either Joe Biden or Sarah Palin. Biden an experienced leader, has been a United States Senator for many years, raised his family has a track record of accomplishments on not only the national but the world stage, or Sarah Palin. She is no more then a prop with a good story which is falling apart at the seams every day. She was a Mayor of a town of 6000. She was elected Governor of one of the most least populated States in the Union a mere 18 months ago. Already she is being investigated for misusing her office for personal matters. She makes false claims and assertions each and every day and uses the Republican tactic of "Repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it."

A man that was chosen based on the only reason one should choose a Vice President their qualifications to be President, or a woman that excites the far right wing of the party with a good background story, but no substance.


This is an important "what if" question. Just think about the fate of our country with a President Joe Biden, vs a President Sarah Palin.

Reality Check

Since the RepubOILcan convention the news media, the blogs and the general narrative has seemingly turned the Presidential campaign into some personality contest rather then a debate on issues. In fact a McCain spokesman actually said this election is not about the issues.

Well this isn't the Miss Alaska contest, this is about electing a President and Vice President of the United States. The voters elected a guy they would "like to have a beer with" 8 years ago, how is that working out. What is even more frustrating is even the personality aspects the RepubOILcans are selling are false.

In the last 8 years under a RepubOILcan President, our economy has hit the skids, gas prices have tripled, food prices have gone up, the number of jobs created has reduced, the rich have gotten richer and the middle class has gotten poorer. Average wages have gone down. As far as our safety and security, during this administration we suffered the worst terrorist attack on American soil, a major American city drowned while Bush went to fundraising events, we had the support of the world after 9/11 and now we have lost all moral authority in the world to accomplish anything, so that Iran and North Korean is more of the threat, Al Queda is as strong as they ever were, and Russia is taking steps to restore the Soviet Union and restarting the cold war.

Harry Truman once said, how long do you have to be beat over the head before you figure out who is hitting you.

Now McCain realizing American's want change is actually trying to portray himself as a "change" candidate. How can anyone believe this for a moment. The only thing he changes is his positions. On 27 major positions he has changed. He at one time did stand up to his party but now he has changed every single position to come in line with the far right of his party in order to get their nomination, and now he has selected as a running mate a totally unqualified small town hockey mom that has severe right wing positions that make McCain seem liberal. McCain supported the war, McCain was against the Bush tax cuts and is now for them. McCain voted with Bush 94% of the time. McCain talks about cleaning up corruption and the control of lobbyists in Washington when McCain was part of the biggest corruption scandals of all time being one of the "Keating 5." As far as influence by lobbyists, his campaign is being run by 7 of the biggest lobbyists in Washington.

It is Barrack Obama and Joe Biden that actually do and can work for change. First of all they are qualified. Second of all Obama's positions are clear and consistent. Those that say they don't know what Obama's positions on the issues are, are lazy. The man has written 2 books, clearly spelling out his stands. His web site covers every issue that anyone has interest in detail. By taking some time and reading through these things one can see that Obama's positions have not changed, his vision is realistic and intelligent and he has a History of bringing people together to actually get things accomplished.

This election is critical. We cannot elect a President and Vice President based on what happened to them 30 years ago or that they can kill a moose. We need actual leadership. One that has the knowledge, skill, motivation, and the ability to inspire people to achieve the things that every American needs. McCain and Palin offer nice stories, smoke and mirrors and distortions. Obama and Biden offer qualifications, vision and leadership.

Truth Trumps Loyalty

Since well before the first vote was cast in this nominating process, the Clinton’s have acted as if Hillary was owed this nomination. They have gone to every contact, every friend, and every party official calling in favors and expecting their support. It has worked with many. Stephanie Tubbs Jones on numerous occasions cited “loyalty” as her reason for supporting Hillary.

Yesterday one man chose truth over loyalty. Bill Richardson the governor of New Mexico, despite his friendship with the Clinton’s, despite the fact that his career was if not made possible but at least greatly enhanced by the Clintons, endorsed Barack Obama. Richardson showed with his endorsement that to him, Truth is more important.

This was not easy for him. He knew the arrogant wrath he would get from the Clinton’s and he has. When he did the honorable thing and called her to inform her of his decision, he received a heated response. Clinton supporters have struck out at him calling him traitor and today James Carville called him “Judas.”

But Richardson chose the truth. He may owe the Clinton’s thanks, and he has given them that. But that is all they are owed. He chose the truth that it is Barack Obama that has the support of the people in every measurable way. The truth that it is Barack Obama that has shown that he is the one that can unite this country and achieve the things we so much need. It is Obama that has shown class and leadership and taken the high road in this race. It is Obama that has spoken the truth consistently and never wavered from his beliefs or principles. It is Barack Obama who has been honest about his experience and record. It is Barack Obama that has the clear ability to win in November.

Perhaps the most important truth is this race is over. There is no way without destroying the Democratic Party that Hillary Clinton can win this nomination. Clinton felt she was owed the nomination. Barack Obama has earned it.

Richardson said yesterday that it was time to stop the fighting and prepare to beat John McCain in November. That was the biggest truth spoken of the day. It is time. It is time for Al Gore, John Edwards, Joe Biden, the party officials and the other super delegates to choose truth as well.

Thank the Clinton’s for the past. But prepare for the future with Barack Obama.