I second that!!! So glad you posted because I was going to email and ask...
 

McCain = the same failed policies of Bush. One thing I do believe though is that McCain is more honorable than Bush in that if he took office there wouldn't be near as many scandels as the Bush administration.

My vote will be cast for Obama / Biden.
 

I agree!!!! And am very disappointed in their pick for Veep. Such a shameless attempt at competing with the Dems!
 

Steph: Palin is as shameless as Obama's pic in Biden. Both parties made smart, strategic AND shameless moves to create balance and controversy in their campaigns.

Welcome to Politics.
 

Joe Biden was a shameless and controversial pic for VP?

'Splain!
 

Ana: Yay!

Eli: I understand where you are coming from, but I don't judge someone based upon the person who preceded him. I believe John McCain is different from President Bush and brings a level of maturity, experience and wisdom to the presidency.
 

I know it's been along time since you heard from me, and I know and appreciate your enthusiasm for your choice of Pres & V.P., so I'll make this brief and polite:

Two questions:

1) If McCain has sided with and supported Bush during this past administration a vast majority of the time, including failed policies on the economy and the invasion of Iraq, how much different could McCain possibly be as President... especially considering the judgement and vision of his opponent?

2) Since the Republican party has been in control of Congress for 12 our of the past 14 years and the Presidency for the past 8, would you say that this country is better off, worse off, or the same? (Of course, like those high school test questions, please explain your answer.) :)
 

Erick! I knew I'd be getting a response from you LIKE THIS :-)

Firstly, I don't believe Obama has a strong or realistic international vision. NO, I didn't support the Iraq war, but now that all has passed, we need to take responsibility for what we created and not quickly pull out.

Secondly, McCain took a stand on his beliefs - Obama voted 'present' 130 times on important issues as senator for only two years of Illinois. As a leader, you don't seek popularity, you seek respect. McCain's experience in serving our country, working in our legislature and taking a stand on issues makes him someone I can respect.

Thirdly, I consider myself a 'Liberal Republican' and voted for Al Gore in 2000. I base my decisions on the person and not the party. I do believe a different person creates a different result - I believe McCain can do that.

Lastly, one of the biggest indicators I look for in a leader is their views on human life....YOU know and agree to this, as you are also Pro-Life :-) I believe the protection of a nation first begins with the protection of the most defenseless citizen - the human baby in a woman's womb. So beyond anything, THAT is the reason why I am pro-McCain.
 

Thanks for the quick response, Maria. You know me all to well. :)

You can look for a complete response from me to the points you raised when I write a full blog about this topic in the next day or two. However, I have to get some FoxInforma... I mean, misinformation out of the way first. ;)

1. Obama's plan is to pull combat troops out of Iraq in 16 months. This is not "quickly" and is indeed responsible, especially considering that the Prime Minister of Iraq supports the plan and that our military generals will be heavily involved in approving and implementing the plan. McCain has absolutely no intention of pulling any troops out as long as he is President. Why ARE we still there anyway?

2. That "present" vote thing is an absolute non-issue. Out of 4000 votes, Obama voted "present" 130 times. And those "present" votes served a specific purpose as well, since that is a tool the Illinois State Legislature uses to craft bills to their liking. Check this link for the complete debunking of this myth that Obama doesn't take a stand on issues:

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/24/fact_check_obamas_present_votes/

And by the way, one very important occasion where Barack took a stand that was unpopular to most others in government and the country... his opposition to the invasion of Iraq. He was in the midst of a campaign to the U.S. Senate where he could have played it conservative and gone along with John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain, but he choose to take a stand for what he believed was right. And it turns out that he WAS right. Judgment AND conviction. What else can you ask for from a President?

3. I'll go with you on this one. The person, and not the party is what I am judging my vote on. To me this is plain as day. John McCain has supported a failed administration, and now proposes to do many of the exact same things during his presidency. Barack Obama has supported change away from those failed policies, has shown he has the experience to implement HIS vision, and has been able to gain the support of most of America and the world in this process. Obama is the person for the job. It's not necessarily the Democratic Party. It's Obama.

4. I will not sacrifice thousands more in lives because of a ruthless war we started, the continued crumbling of our economy and the power of the dollar, the lowering of our standing in the world even further, the ongoing violation of civil liberties and human rights through illegal wiretapping anywhere the government says so and torture in select military bases, the forgetting of citizens in need of a health care system that works for them and not the insurance companies, the beautiful earth that we live in with all its wildlife and clean water, and the promise of an educational system that will allow our children to lead in the world of tomorrow, all for just a CHANCE that a couple of Supreme Court Justices will either croak or retire and whose positions will be filled with conservative judges that MIGHT tilt the court in favor of ending the legalization of abortion. [Note: I believe that was the longest sentence I have ever written.] I am Pro-Life, but I don't believe that every other aspect of our society should be sacrificed in order to overturn Roe V. Wade. What sort of world, then, would these children (saved by the overturned ruling) grow up into? I would much rather have a legitimate chance of reducing abortions by reducing unwanted pregnancies and offering more support and options to pregnant woman so that they can at least carry the baby to full term.
 

Great writing!
 

Thanks, Plum.
 

I second you guys. I believe Obama is more well-rounded in his vivsion. His plan is for the greater good of this country. I will not select my president based on only one view. That is ridiculous. I want my president well rounded - I know Obama will have the vision to turn our country around. He is for the greatest good for the most people the middle class. In tonights debate. McCain used every opputurnity to put down Obama. I like positive minded people. I coudn't stand McCain's negativity and every chance he got he pointed out Obama's lack of experience in Military. The president should know how to delegate and surround himself with the people he knows can get the job done. Tonight all McCain relied on was military. It seems to me thats all that he is about. We need positive change not more war!
 

I think that there are pros and cons to Obama and to McCain. As someone who will be a Teacher, Obama should be a no-brainer choice for me. But I feel that I cannot trust him, he does not have close (enough) ties to Israel - my second home, and I never really caught on to the whole Obama bandwagon. McCain, as you mentioned above, is an American patriot. Someone who has served our country and could bring about great change. Unfortunately, his foreign policies are not that far off from President Bush's and entail those soldiers, who have already given so much of themselves, to stay in Iraq and other foreign countries for more time, not less. Furthermore, while I believe that Sarah Palin has accomplished a lot for herself, as a woman, I have known who she is for a long time already because I'm a subscriber and an active volunteer with the Defenders of Wildlife organization. Through them, I have learned of her horriffic deeds in Alaska. The poor endangered wolves will be extinct soon, in large part, because she allowed a hunt to occur - and to CONTINUE. She did not sign a bill that, had she READ it, would have ENDED the hunt. Nope. She chose to support the hunters. Apparently, their votes hold more sway than the will of the Alaskan people, the wide majority of whom, wrote in to request and plead that the hunt of the wolves be stopped. She also supports Big Oil. Companies like Exxon Mobil, which have done so much damage to oceans and forests that its a miracle that the messes they made were even able to be cleaned up. But there's only so much that could be done. Innocent animals have died as a result of MAJOR oil spills. While usually not intentional, Exxon Mobil has had too many of these to be deemed as mere "accidents" any longer. Furthermore, Exxon Mobil has kicked homeless minority families out of the forests in the name of "saving and protecting" the trees. These are the companies and ideas that Palin supports. She has become wealthy because SHE made money from the bribes from when she gave in in to these miserable hunters and Big Oil.

Although I'm very proud of my ability to vote and don't take it for granted, I will not be voting this year. Unfortunately, neither presidential candidate, nor vice president, measures up. Not in my book.
 

The two reasons that you felt you couldn't trust Obama were:

1) He does not have close (enough) ties to Israel.

2) You never really caught on to the whole Obama bandwagon.

I will not address the second reason since, well, it wasn't really a reason (no offense). It was kind of like "I'm not into him because I'm just not into the hype of him." I'll just let that slip on by. :)

Regarding his ties to Israel, let me ask you this. What sort of words and/or actions must a candidate take to be pro-Israel enough for you? And how has Barack not achieved this?

Obama has, as far as what I've read, always been supportive of Israel... but here's the catch... not at the EXPENSE of the other nations in the region. Which, in my mind, makes perfect sense. Allowing Israel to do whatever it wants to in the region is NOT being wise in how to handle the Middle East. Making sure Israel is protected from unprovoked violence IS wise, and that has always been Obama's stance. Check these links out for some more evidence of this:

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/rosnerBlog.jhtml?itemNo=832667&contrassID=25&subContrassID=0&sbSubContrassID=1&listSrc=Y&art=1

http://www.nysun.com/editorials/obama-and-israel/69154/

http://www.observer.com/2008/politics/israel-reponds-its-obama-close

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/07/us/politics/07obama.html

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/05/16/f-rfa-macdonald.html

In short, the lies that the opposition and the ignorant propound, that Barack is a Muslim, that he is in close contact with Hammas, that because his middle name is Hussein and he was living with his Muslim step-dad for a couple of years he is aligned with the "enemy" and therefor is no friend of the Jews, is ridiculous. He seems to be as close to Israel as any presidential candidate from the past.

I'll agree with everything you said about McCain, except the part about him possibly "bringing about change." In regards to Palin, as a supporter of animal rights, a vegan, a lover of the environment, and a logical American, I completely agree with your statements. As far as I'm concerned, Sarah Palin can kiss my Brazilian/Chilean ass (...with those beautiful lips of hers...).
 

hahahaha I love this debate...but it can go on forever about which candidate is the best. I personally support Obama. I'm not too excited about a govenor from Alaska whom I've never even heard of. I'm not going to vote for some chick just because she's a woman, got 4 kids and she's Pro Life. If anything were to happen to McCain, I would be scared as heck to see her move up into the Presidency. I do believe that McCain would be another replica Bush and I'd like to see a little change happen.
 

It's looking like most of the women in this country would agree with you. :)
 

I like that. A man with conviction.

Right off the bat, I'd like to congratulate you on your choice to become a Marine. It obviously was a choice you didn't take lightly and in the end you live with the consequences of that choice. Most folks don't get that.

So, as I exercise my rights, granted by the amendments you speak of, and voluntarily given up by you, let me say "thank you."
 

That's ONE way to get out of it! :)
 

Yes ma'am, Mcain/Palin all the way! yeehaw!
As far as the comments on Bush....well anyone who blames their financial problems on the president is doing something wrong. Our economy is ok, every 4 years they say we have problems with the economy. When in reality we control how well we do in life, our chances for success depends on us. I am self employed and i am doing better than ever, i have not seen the change in our economy in 20 years...or rather i should say that i have not FELT a change - but then again i make it a habit to never listen to the news when they start ragging on the economy. When the price of gas went up i simply created more ways to make money.
Maria it makes me proud to see you stand up and state your beliefs, your a good woman.
 

You're a terd sandwich.
 

It's a little more complicated than that. No one is suggesting that all of our personal financial problems should be blamed on the administration. However, when the administration takes away choices of how we make a living, opportunities to better ourselves, and constantly tries to scare us into voting certain ways... THIS is what is objectionable. I applaud you and your success, Jeff. I am also doing better now than I was in 2000. The thing is, just because you and I are okay doesn't mean that everyone else in the country is just fine. WE could be better off; we SHOULD be better off, and I refuse to ignore WHY the gas prices and job losses go up and just create ways to make more money without trying to change the reasons why I have to go out of my way to do the same thing I was doing before. That's like someone coming up to me, punching me in the mouth, taking my keys, and driving off with my car, and then me shrugging that off and saying to myself, "I woke fight to get my car back, or to bring the thief to justice, or even to make it harder for something like that to happen again. I'll just ignore all of that and try to get another car."
 

As far as the war in Iraq it all goes back to the bible. If you do not believe in christianity then the iraq war will not make sense, it is mostly to protect Israel. If we pull out now we will be leaving iraq very weak and vulnerable to others in the middle east who would step in and threaten Israel by taking control in Iraq. Israel is the land G-D promised Moses when he left egypt.
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed
 

Did I mention you're a terd sandwich?
 

Yes you did. Twice. And I think that's a more succinct way of saying what I was attempting to put out there.

Nicely done, sir. When I need brevity, I'll come to you. :)
 

Um, if this is going to be classified as a religious war, then there is absolutely no rational reason to justify an invasion of a land because they don't believe what we believe. Killing others, as well as sacrifices our own young people, because they don't follow the same holy book as some of us in this country do? C'mon. We don't want to go down that shameful road.
 

Zakiya: I respect your views but I think having a novice as president and an experienced vice president sounds all too familiar...hence the Bush/Cheney line up. Which ever way we go - we will never know the right way.

David: I respect your views and have found that in life, it often takes more discipline to control what you say, versus saying what you REALLY want to say. Unfortunately/fortunately I've met many service people who will follow and agree with what the president says/does regardless of it being truly ethical.

In a debate of potential leaders, I think it's fine to state your opinion, positively influence others as well as have other's influence you. Freedom of speech and the ability to engage in public discourse is the principal behind our nation's birth. When we agree as entire nation, an entire body, to elect someone through majority vote - then yes, respect your chosen leader, but be proactive about keeping that leader in line with policies the people feel strongly against/for.

Jeff: It's good to hear you have a self sufficient, 'can do' attitude. However, I do understand your views on Christianity and the U.S.'s invasion of Iraq, but, unfortunately, I don't think that's why Bush invaded Iraq :(

Ginobili/Erick: Great discussion. In the end, both candidates have pros and cons. Our decision in November will be influenced by the issues we personally find important. For me, that involves policies regarding family values and human life. For others, it may be the environment, the economy or war. In the end, whomever we choose, it will cause CHANGE.
 

Israel is our friend and we need to help them and defend them, if one of my friends were being attacked i would aid them...with deadly force if necessary. When Germany was threatening their neighbors in the 1930s nobody did anything, nobody wanted to fight (People like Eli) So the next thing you know Hitler has gone so far it took four years to stop him and millions of lives. We have those same mind sets in place right now in the middle east, so our presence is needed there...other countries have actually asked for our help. The reason we are hated by the middle east is because of our support for Israel. People in America have grown so fat and lazy they dont understand the need to fight anymore. I'm sure the government has many reasons for being over there...but this is one of those reasons. I will also add that there has not been one single christian conservative get on here and be rude to another person, the rude remarks have only been from Obama supporters.
Say what you want to me, but remember that anybody can be brave from the comfort of their own living room.
The really sad thing about all of this is that no matter who gets elected everything will still be screwed up 4 years from now.
 

You are absolutely out of your element. Of course we should defend Isreal as they are an ally and friend. I suppose you bring this up because you draw the conclusion that Obama is anti-Israel which he is not. And how you draw a connection to Israel and the Iraq War is beyond me and most halfway educated folks. BTW... americans were generally against entering into a confrontation with Germany ONLY AT FIRST. The justification for entering into WW2 became apparent on many platforms to the american people. So don't go comparing WW2 to the Iraq war on the basis of support or lack of support thereof sir. And back to your alleged connection between Israel and the Iraq war. There is no connection sir. Just like there was no connection between Iraq and 911. By now most of the american people know that this war is wrong as was our initial invasion. Even former republican president Gerald Ford was strongly opposed to this war and the basis for it. In an excerpt from one interview, he said "And I just don't think we should go hellfire damnation around the globe freeing people, unless it is directly related to our own national security." He did not think this war to be a matter of national security. And rightly so. I suppose you are the type of person who believes that the american people who stand in opposition to this war are unpatriotic and that we are against our troops. Anakin to Obi-Wan "If you're not with me, you're my enemy." Obi-Wan tells Anakin "only a Sith Lord deals in absolutes." Oh, wait a minute that's Star-Wars episode 3. Back to reality...oh yeah, what I meant to say is that neocons deal in absolutes. Jeff, you assume the position that only people who are christian or believe in christianity can understand the Iraq war. You assume too much. There are a lot of christians that are against this war and understand it quite differently than you do. And as you sit on the other side your keyboard reading this perhaps you are someone thinking that this guy's soul has yet to be saved. Only god knows my heart and my soul but I do feel quite saved. You see Jeff, you don't have to be a religious zealot or a fanatic to be faithful. I tend to believe that the Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell types are a distraction (and a wart on christianity's ass) from what christianity is. Are you the type of person that believes that the four hourses of the apocalypse are rearing their heads and that THE END and the rapture are just barely around the bend? I'm not sure what it feels like to dwell upon this notion as some do. People have been expecting the end since the beginning and time still ticks. I do agree that we are living in serious times. But what can I say? If the world ended tomorrow I can't say as that I'd do anything differently in my life. I'm trying to do the best I can in this world with the things I know and the things I feel. I'm proud of my feelings and beliefs and I think god has given me an ok perspective on ethics, values, and life. I thank god for my family and those people closest to my heart and for the people out there who know and care about me. One thing I'd like to say is that God doesn't see republican or democrat, he doesn't see christian conservative or plain christian, he doesn't see skin color, but rather when you take away all the bullshit he sees all. God trancends all boundries and sometimes he even trancends our own understanding. When it comes to matters of our nation and the world I'd like to err on the side of optimism even though things are messed up and will never be perfect. This is why my vote will go to Obama. A man with ideals and optimism. But even though there are issues I disagree with McCain on I feel his heart is in the right place and that he would be a big step up from Bush. I am for nuclear energy which is one thing McCain supports. But compared to the War and the economy this issue pales. And just for the record I do think it's silly to believe that one political party has a monopoly on family values and faith. I will rant no more but I do have one final statement for any american who might be reading this. Do you know the difference between patriotism and nationalism? If not you'll have to google it for yourself but what I can tell you is that one is good and healthy and one can lead you down a very dark path.
 

Dang Eli that was great, you made some very good and intelligent points..which is what i was trying to draw from you..i could actually feel the emotion and anger in every word. When i blog or debate sometimes i will word things a certain way to reach people on an emotional level because that is the only way sometimes to get intelligent well thought out responses. I respect you and your opinions. Well done!

Maria, thank you for allowing us to get on here and debate...your a darn good moderator.
And oh yeah you do still have the world by the ass. haha

P.S. - The only thing i would like to add is that in four years i hope to be voting for Sarah Palin for president....unless she turns into a typical bonehead career politician, which i dont think she will.
Also To Eli, I'm glad your saved my brother but honestly i'm not that type of christian, I have so many of my own problems and imperfections that i dont have time to worry about everybody elses...but i love ya though. even if you think i'm a terd sandwich hehehe
 

Jeff, I think you are making a good point - and I happen to know a bit of history on Israel and U.S's policies towards it almost like an apartheid state. However, unless one totally understands politics in the middle east, it's really hard to mesh that discussion in the same discussions on the election today.

I also think it's important to remain polite to all people and their opinions. And yes...whoever we choose, we will probably be yapping about the same failed policies in four years :)
 

I'm with you here Maria. I'm really impressed by Palin.
 

Very touching. You didn't same much in your posting, but your posting speaks loud and clear.

It speak from a position of not Democracts, or Republican, the pooror rich, and not from a black or white issue.

The facts are clear, and pray that american voter will take the blinder off them and make a choice that represnt American as a whole and not one racial group, or one racial class over the other.
 

Amen sister!!!!:)
 

I am going to keep this short and sweet. OBAMA ALL THE WAY! Its not about black or white, Its about seeing change in this country, not a little, but a big change. John McCain is slightly better than Bush, but thats not good enough...not to mention he's been out of hospitals and his health is on the decline. If he dies, then we are left with Sarah Palin, God help us all! If it was Hilary...I might feel alittle more comfortable. Sarah Palin is pretty, well spoken, and thats about it. She lacks the experience and after watching her on tv and in interviews, I dont believe she really knows what she's talking about. Just my 2 cents. Feel free to disagree.

 

Love this blog Maria! McCain/Palin all the way!!!
 

Oh boy Maria, you really went and opened a can of worms! Are you sure this is what you wanted to do when you are trying to relax?

I don't support all Mcain on all issues, and I do not believe that Bush is even a Republican. He hasn't strayed too far from the same path that Clinton was on. But, I do believe that Obama is dangerous for this country. In my opinion, we have been slipping too far to the left, even with Republicans in power.

Most of the people here on Myspace are too young to remember what it was like when Jimmy Carter was in office. Obama is the next Jimmy Carter, in fact he is left of Jimmy Carter. What bothers me most about him is, he tries to hide his record.

I ask anyone who supports him to point to one accomplishment that Obama has done that lead them to their conclusion to support him. Speaking well and promising hope and change is not an accomplishment BTW.

You have to forgive them Maria, most have not had to live in the real world yet.
 

Very well put Dan...
 

Well I know this is a late little 2 cents to be thrown in but, here we go. Politics is politics they will say whatever they can to get us to be believe in them enough to elect them its their job. All we can do is look at each persons core values and match them to our own. Then vote for the person whos values follows ours the closest. Personally i am voting republican. I am pro-life and dont believe pulling out of the war and moving it somewere else is the solution. For me the republican party is more decisive and i prefer that. Not to say that mistakes are made but when the need for decision is there they make it.
 

Simply... THANK GOD OBAMA/BIDEN WON!!! Seriously... I prayed, and my prayers were answered. If the Republican party had the opportunity to screw up our country any further by winning (or stealing) an election again, I was going to pack my bags and get the hell out of here. Finally, change is coming.... FINALLY!

Also, Thank God for A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE. Women should have 100% control over their bodies... I am VERY Pro-CHOICE and Thank GOD I still have the right to make decisions about MY body... The government (mostly Republicans) have taken so many of our rights away from us, practically stripped us of our basic rights as Americans... they WILL NOT tell me what I can or cannot do with my body. Thank GOD for A RIGHT TO CHOOSE.
 

One more thing that I think is IMPORTANT to say. After reading 'most' of the comments on this blog entry, I want to make sure that everyone knows that my opinions are MINE. And although they are pretty much 100% the opposite of Maria's, I not only respect her opinions, I respect EVERYONE'S, whether they are on the same page as me, or on a whole other wavelength. The truth of the matter is, we are ALL entitled to our opinions. My opinions are the polar opposite of Maria's. I am pro-choice, she is pro-life, she is a Liberal Repulican, I am a Liberal Democrat. I voted Obama in 2008, she voted McCain in 2008. Either way, I think we ALL have a lot to contribute to this country and society... in our own ways. Although, I have a lot of negative thoughts on the Republican party, and am bitter for the way our country has gone the laste 8 years under their administration, I can't say that I feel this way about ALL Republicans. In fact, being as liberal as I am, I actually do have some dear Republicans in my life -- some folks who are quite conservative. I think life is a balance. And as a Libra, I am always striving for balance in my life. So I'm not going to delete my above comment that was negative towards Republicans, as that was me being honest -- and sometimes honesty is brutal. Although, I felt it was important to explain myself -- after reading all of the craziness in some of the comments above :)

PEACE and LOVE!