Obama voters, try and help me out here please.

[Rank Amateur]

Date: 11/3/2008 12:43:10 AM
Author: MoonWater
I think he was truly hurt by what Wright started doing.

Riiight. You have downed the koolaid my friend.

He listened to that man for YEARS and YEARS with no qualms. Until it started to hurt him - politically.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 11/3/2008 1:03:47 AM
Author: Rank Amateur

Date: 11/3/2008 12:43:10 AM

Author: MoonWater

I think he was truly hurt by what Wright started doing.

Riiight. You have downed the koolaid my friend.


He listened to that man for YEARS and YEARS with no qualms. Until it started to hurt him - politically.

Sorry, I don''t drink Kool-Aid but I have been in similar situations. With my own mother no less. It has nothing to do with listening to him for years and years, it has everything to do with the man deliberately going public and boosting his own ego rather than caring about his supposed friend. I would dump his ass too after that.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 11/3/2008 1:00:17 AM
Author: panda08

I agree that honesty is an important characteristic in a leader. I think one of the reasons Obama may have been less than forthright about Ayers and Wright has to do with the fact that political discourse in this country has been reduced to sound bites that do not lend to nuanced positions. Just the fact that Obama knows them is sufficient for his opponents to paint him with the broad brush of anti-Americanism or having poor judgment based on their objectionable conduct/opinions. I don''t think that even if Obama elaborated early on about these associations, explained why it is important to listen to different points of view and stated how associating with someone does not mean you embrace their opinions or ratify their conduct, that would appease those who cannot see any room for discussion. It would satisfy those like you who have an appreciation for such things, but continued dwelling on the subject would only provide fodder to those who do not and distract from the other issues in the campaign.

Thank you for articulating this so well.

Oh and I LOVE your panda!!

 

[trillionaire]

Date: 11/3/2008 1:03:47 AM
Author: Rank Amateur

Date: 11/3/2008 12:43:10 AM

Author: MoonWater

I think he was truly hurt by what Wright started doing.

Riiight. You have downed the koolaid my friend.


He listened to that man for YEARS and YEARS with no qualms. Until it started to hurt him - politically.

Honestly, Rank, this is how a lot of black pastors speak. It is not to incite anger, hatred, or anti-patriotic feelings, but to speak to a segment of the population that is able to see the GOOD of America (CIVIL RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY) with the BAD (GENOCIDE, SLAVERY, INTERNMENT CAMPS, etc), who can listen to this, and still be HOPEFUL. They can see that even in mixed blessings, there are blessings (ie, mixed blessing = America, not the bombings). Rev. Wright wasn't saying TO damn America, but DAMN America's ills. Slavery was an ill. Imposing OUR will on the world has had negative ramifications. Imagine if that had happened domestically. We would respond. So did the world. Cause = effect.

Rev. Wright was a Marine. He is a patriot, just like John McCain. Why would you think you needed to disown him? I know a lot of old people (including my 90 yr old grandma) that say CRAZY things. I honestly feel that they have earned the right. *shrug*

Anyway, I digress.

Ellen, I too want honesty from my politicians. Obama has had his less than forthcoming moments, but he has at least made the effort to set the record straight, even when it has been unpopular to do so. I can't think of one instance when McCain has done so. Not on "the fundamentals of our economy are strong," not on "comprehensive sex ed for kindergarteners," not when he was explicitly called out for lies. I do not believe that politicians should be expected to be perfect, and have perfect pasts to be elected in the future, but I would appreciate a minimal effort to be forthright. For example, I would love to hear about McCain's reversals on torture, immigration and on tax cuts.

At any rate, we live in a country that has been totally consumed with the elections for almost 2 year now. I highly encourage you to explore some the impressions around the world of our election and our candidates. You can't blame the international opinions on party bias, but this IS an election that really will serve to make or break our international standing and stature.

http://www.economist.com/Vote2008/

http://www.iftheworldcouldvote.com/results

http://www.betavote.com/

To be completely honest, Obama is a pragmatist. And he is also trying to get elected. He is not trying to make big waves now, and he really won't after he is elected. I think very liberal folks will be disappointed, and centrist mods will be pleasantly surprised. Obama is not a rabid ideologue, but he does think that things need to change fundamentally. He comes from an academic background, so he will surround himself with the best thinkers, he will LISTEN to them, and he will make reasoned decisions. You only need to compare the responses to the economic crisis to see the difference in response. If the financial crisis 'tested' these candidates, I will let you assign the grades. Then think about your future. Lots of experience doing the wrong thing is just a lot of bad experience, IMO.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 11/3/2008 1:03:47 AM
Author: Rank Amateur

Date: 11/3/2008 12:43:10 AM
Author: MoonWater
I think he was truly hurt by what Wright started doing.

Riiight. You have downed the koolaid my friend.

He listened to that man for YEARS and YEARS with no qualms. Until it started to hurt him - politically.

OMG, you guys!!! It''s John McCain, right here on PS!!!

LOL! Just kidding . . . couldn''t resist!

Rank, just because Moon disagrees with you doesn''t mean she''s under the influence of the oft-mentioned Kool Aid. I believe Ellen was trying to avoid this kind of snarkiness on this thread. She said in her original post:

Date: 11/2/2008 5:31:20 PM
Author:Ellen

I don''t mind others who are not voting for him offering their thoughts/discussion, but I want to keep this civil. Mudslinging and name calling just derail from the real issue, and there''s a vote at stake here. If you all agree that''s important, let''s keep it nice.

Please respect Ellen''s wishes. She''s asking for some help here, and I don''t think snarkiness is helpful to her. As she said, you''re welcome to offer your opinion, but please do so respectfully.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 11/2/2008 5:31:20 PM
Author:Ellen

So I want to ask those of you who have no problem with him, how did you get past/justify the several questionable 'friendships' he's had? What made you dismiss them (and the lack of honesty about) as an issue? How can you ignore the fact that he has not been as upfront as he should have been?

These are good questions, Ellen, and show where you are coming from as a voter. One of the explanations for why I can accept Mr. Obama despite his friendship with the Reverend Wright, in my opinion the more questionable of the two people discussed in this thread, is that I don't hold public servants to the same high standards you do. I would like to, but I fear that if I tried to do so, no one would be serving in any elected office anywhere, even as town dogcatcher in my hometown. I do not think that politicians are a very honest group and I think that anyone who becomes president of the United States has been bought about a thousand times.

The other explanation, about Bill Ayers, is two-pronged: that I admire him and that I believe that Mr. Obama's relationship with him was casual. In otherwords, I do not see this relationship as "questionable". Mr. Obama has, as others have pointed out, many, many friends in academia. Mr. Ayers is a respected academic now. It is not wrong to be friendly towards someone with left wing political views, or to respect him. I feel the same way about/towards Mr. Ayers. I just have not met him and Mr. Obama has. That does not make the two bosom buddies. Nor did they meet while Mr. Ayers was in Weatherman and Mr. Obama was a child. I see no misrepresentation there. I really do not. But I also agree with much that Bill Ayers says. He is a very erudite man with a social conscience.

I hope you can vote for Mr. Obama on Election Day. If you cannot, I respect your decision. You are a thoughtful voter. I think that our country needs thoughtful voters! Good luck in deciding.


Deborah

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 11/3/2008 3:59:53 AM
Author: trillionaire

Date: 11/3/2008 1:03:47 AM

Author: Rank Amateur

Date: 11/3/2008 12:43:10 AM


Author: MoonWater


I think he was truly hurt by what Wright started doing.

Riiight. You have downed the koolaid my friend.



He listened to that man for YEARS and YEARS with no qualms. Until it started to hurt him - politically.

Honestly, Rank, this is how a lot of black pastors speak. It is not to incite anger, hatred, or anti-patriotic feelings, but to speak to a segment of the population that is able to see the GOOD of America (CIVIL RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY) with the BAD (GENOCIDE, SLAVERY, INTERNMENT CAMPS, etc), who can listen to this, and still be HOPEFUL. They can see that even in mixed blessings, there are blessings (ie, mixed blessing = America, not the bombings). Rev. Wright wasn''t saying TO damn America, but DAMN America''s ills. Slavery was an ill. Imposing OUR will on the world has had negative ramifications. Imagine if that had happened domestically. We would respond. So did the world. Cause = effect.


Rev. Wright was a Marine. He is a patriot, just like John McCain. Why would you think you needed to disown him? I know a lot of old people (including my 90 yr old grandma) that say CRAZY things. I honestly feel that they have earned the right. *shrug*


Anyway, I digress.


Ellen, I too want honesty from my politicians. Obama has had his less than forthcoming moments, but he has at least made the effort to set the record straight, even when it has been unpopular to do so. I can''t think of one instance when McCain has done so. Not on ''the fundamentals of our economy are strong,'' not on ''comprehensive sex ed for kindergarteners,'' not when he was explicitly called out for lies. I do not believe that politicians should be expected to be perfect, and have perfect pasts to be elected in the future, but I would appreciate a minimal effort to be forthright. For example, I would love to hear about McCain''s reversals on torture, immigration and on tax cuts.


At any rate, we live in a country that has been totally consumed with the elections for almost 2 year now. I highly encourage you to explore some the impressions around the world of our election and our candidates. You can''t blame the international opinions on party bias, but this IS an election that really will serve to make or break our international standing and stature.


http://www.economist.com/Vote2008/


http://www.iftheworldcouldvote.com/results


http://www.betavote.com/


To be completely honest, Obama is a pragmatist. And he is also trying to get elected. He is not trying to make big waves now, and he really won''t after he is elected. I think very liberal folks will be disappointed, and centrist mods will be pleasantly surprised. Obama is not a rabid ideologue, but he does think that things need to change fundamentally. He comes from an academic background, so he will surround himself with the best thinkers, he will LISTEN to them, and he will make reasoned decisions. You only need to compare the responses to the economic crisis to see the difference in response. If the financial crisis ''tested'' these candidates, I will let you assign the grades. Then think about your future. Lots of experience doing the wrong thing is just a lot of bad experience, IMO.

to your post in general and to the bold part in particular. I tried to explain the Wright issue much like you have (I think you may have done a better job) back in March. But sometimes people don''t want to take the history of this country into consideration.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/3/2008 12:15:30 AM
Author: Rank Amateur
Reverend Wright''s comments are not so remarkable in my mind. 95% bravado. Obama should have been a man and stood next to his friend rather than throwing the guy under the bus to get votes. Same old same old for the true politician.

Date: 11/3/2008 1:03:47 AM
Author: Rank Amateur
He listened to that man for YEARS and YEARS with no qualms. Until it started to hurt him - politically.

So you have no problem with Rev. Wrights ideas ... you just think Obama is being a "typical politician" by disassociating with him after he became more radical & outright hurtful in public. Riiighhhht. Why did Palin leave *her* church exactly? Why did her husband leave the Separatist Party? Just being "typical politicians"? Or have you sipped their KoolAid?

 

[Ellen]

Wow, thank you to all who offered such thoughtful/thought provoking/helpful posts! I really do appreciate it.

I went to bed thinking about what had already been written here, and then got up early this morning to digest the new. Every one of your posts either gave me something to think about, or reaffirmed things I had already thought about in my many debates with myself (but had doubted for various reasons by playing devil''s advocate). You may be right that he didn''t elaborate on relationships because he simply didn''t feel it was worthy of mention. Or, he knew it would/might get blown out of proportion. And when I look at him, and listen to him, I really can see why he might converse with people that others might not. I do think he wants to get thoughts from everyone, from all walks of life. That can only help him understand what needs to be done in this country, what he needs to do to change things for the better. I understand this. I understand the desperate need for this.

And for those that pointed out the obvious, you''re right, there is no perfect politician. Period. I know that, not sure why I keep trying to hold them to it.

Can I get an A for effort??

At any rate, again, thanks so much you guys, this was a tremendous help. You will be happy to know I''m finally at peace. Senator Obama has my vote. Not only am I thrilled I can finally back him 100%, which means voting, but it makes me doubly happy/proud because he happens to come from my home state.

Also, thank you for all the sweet comments too, they are very much appreciated!

Here''s hoping for a win!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 11/3/2008 8:59:22 AM
Author: Ellen
Wow, thank you to all who offered such thoughtful/thought provoking/helpful posts! I really do appreciate it.

I went to bed thinking about what had already been written here, and then got up early this morning to digest the new. Every one of your posts either gave me something to think about, or reaffirmed things I had already thought about in my many debates with myself (but had doubted for various reasons by playing devil''s advocate). You may be right that he didn''t elaborate on relationships because he simply didn''t feel it was worthy of mention. Or, he knew it would/might get blown out of proportion. And when I look at him, and listen to him, I really can see why he might converse with people that others might not. I do think he wants to get thoughts from everyone, from all walks of life. That can only help him understand what needs to be done in this country, what he needs to do to change things for the better. I understand this. I understand the desperate need for this.

And for those that pointed out the obvious, you''re right, there is no perfect politician. Period. I know that, not sure why I keep trying to hold them to it.

Can I get an A for effort??

At any rate, again, thanks so much you guys, this was a tremendous help. You will be happy to know I''m finally at peace. Senator Obama has my vote. Not only am I thrilled I can finally back him 100%, which means voting, but it makes me doubly happy/proud because he happens to come from my home state.

Also, thank you for all the sweet comments too, they are very much appreciated!

Here''s hoping for a win!

Ellen, this is wonderful! I''m so glad we could be of help, and I''m even gladder that you chose to vote for Obama!

And you absolutely do get an "A" for effort for holding politicians to such a high standard! Like you said, no politician is perfect (they''re all human after all). But we should expect a lot from them, and you''re right to hold them accountable. Like I said before, I really admire the way you have approached this decision. I liked you a lot before, but I like you even more now.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/3/2008 9:20:34 AM
Author: Irishgrrrl
Ellen, this is wonderful! I''m so glad we could be of help, and I''m even gladder that you chose to vote for Obama!

And you absolutely do get an ''A'' for effort for holding politicians to such a high standard! Like you said, no politician is perfect (they''re all human after all). But we should expect a lot from them, and you''re right to hold them accountable. Like I said before, I really admire the way you have approached this decision. I liked you a lot before, but I like you even more now.

Aw, thank you miss! I think quite a bit of you too, especially for your understanding in all of this. Thanks.

 

[AprilBaby]

Ellen, thanks most of all for being a thoughtful voter. I wish more people gave it so much thought!

 

[movie zombie]

and thank you to almost everyone for staying on topic: the OP was specific and most stayed with that. it was not a request to debate the candidates but a specific question to those who have voted for or are votiing for obama to state why....and how in some instances we might be holding our nose while we do it but do it we did.

i''m glad you are at peace and found a way to exercise your right to vote!

movie zombie

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 11/3/2008 10:11:24 AM
Author: AprilBaby
Ellen, thanks most of all for being a thoughtful voter. I wish more people gave it so much thought!

Agreed! Brava Ellen!

 

[goobear78]

Date: 11/3/2008 10:43:16 AM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 11/3/2008 10:11:24 AM

Author: AprilBaby

Ellen, thanks most of all for being a thoughtful voter. I wish more people gave it so much thought!

Agreed! Brava Ellen!

Ditto!

While I didn''t participate in this discussion, I really enjoyed reading all the thoughtful posts.

Brava to all who participated so positively in this topic!

 

[panda08]

Date: 11/3/2008 11:24:22 AM
Author: goobear78

Date: 11/3/2008 10:43:16 AM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 11/3/2008 10:11:24 AM

Author: AprilBaby

Ellen, thanks most of all for being a thoughtful voter. I wish more people gave it so much thought!

Agreed! Brava Ellen!

Ditto!

While I didn''t participate in this discussion, I really enjoyed reading all the thoughtful posts.

Brava to all who participated so positively in this topic!

 

[panda08]

Date: 11/3/2008 1:17:22 AM
Author: MoonWater

Date: 11/3/2008 1:00:17 AM
Author: panda08

I agree that honesty is an important characteristic in a leader. I think one of the reasons Obama may have been less than forthright about Ayers and Wright has to do with the fact that political discourse in this country has been reduced to sound bites that do not lend to nuanced positions. Just the fact that Obama knows them is sufficient for his opponents to paint him with the broad brush of anti-Americanism or having poor judgment based on their objectionable conduct/opinions. I don''t think that even if Obama elaborated early on about these associations, explained why it is important to listen to different points of view and stated how associating with someone does not mean you embrace their opinions or ratify their conduct, that would appease those who cannot see any room for discussion. It would satisfy those like you who have an appreciation for such things, but continued dwelling on the subject would only provide fodder to those who do not and distract from the other issues in the campaign.

Thank you for articulating this so well.

Oh and I LOVE your panda!!

*blushing* Thank you, Moon. I''ve enjoyed reading your many insightful posts

 

[FrekeChild]

Ellen, you''re my hero for taking your time to think everything through and not follow party lines or whats trendy and "popular" to do. I commend you for taking the time and putting forth the effort to make an educated decision. I hope that other Americans have taken the time and effort you have shown us and put it into their votes.

And brava to all of the well spoken ladies who posted here. Your words helped me further cement my vote.

 

[MoonWater]

Date: 11/3/2008 12:29:46 PM
Author: panda08

Date: 11/3/2008 1:17:22 AM
Author: MoonWater

Date: 11/3/2008 1:00:17 AM
Author: panda08

I agree that honesty is an important characteristic in a leader. I think one of the reasons Obama may have been less than forthright about Ayers and Wright has to do with the fact that political discourse in this country has been reduced to sound bites that do not lend to nuanced positions. Just the fact that Obama knows them is sufficient for his opponents to paint him with the broad brush of anti-Americanism or having poor judgment based on their objectionable conduct/opinions. I don''t think that even if Obama elaborated early on about these associations, explained why it is important to listen to different points of view and stated how associating with someone does not mean you embrace their opinions or ratify their conduct, that would appease those who cannot see any room for discussion. It would satisfy those like you who have an appreciation for such things, but continued dwelling on the subject would only provide fodder to those who do not and distract from the other issues in the campaign.

Thank you for articulating this so well.

Oh and I LOVE your panda!!

*blushing* Thank you, Moon. I''ve enjoyed reading your many insightful posts

Aww shucks, thanks!

 

[iheartscience]

Yay, Ellen! I'm glad you were able to reach a conclusion, and even gladder that it was to vote for Obama!

 

[trillionaire]

Ellen,

I am so glad you are going to vote, period!

Now you just need to get your best tennis shoes ready for the crazy lines tomorrow! It will be such an exciting day!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/3/2008 12:56:19 PM
Author: FrekeChild
Ellen, you''re my hero for taking your time to think everything through and not follow party lines or whats trendy and ''popular'' to do. I commend you for taking the time and putting forth the effort to make an educated decision. I hope that other Americans have taken the time and effort you have shown us and put it into their votes.

And brava to all of the well spoken ladies who posted here. Your words helped me further cement my vote.

Aw, thank you freke, really.

And, I never follow trends, never have. In that respect I guess you could say, I''ve always been, a maverick.

Thanks to everyone else too, I really appreciate your kind words!


And mz made a good point. Thanks to everyone who respected the thread and stayed on task.

trill, since hubby is a precinct committeeman, we always get to the polls right when they open, as he brings the polling judges breakfast. So hopefully it''s not TOO bad at 6 AM.

Maybe we can cut in line since we''ll have food.....

 

[HollyS]

Date: 11/2/2008 5:31:20 PM
Author:Ellen
As of now, I still want to vote, but I still can''t in good concience. I''ve had many conversations with myself, to no avail. I''ve looked at all the smart/thoughtful/political/influential people voting for him, and think, I must be missing something. So I want to ask those of you who have no problem with him, how did you get past/justify the several questionable ''friendships'' he''s had? What made you dismiss them (and the lack of honesty about) as an issue? How can you ignore the fact that he has not been as upfront as he should have been? To me, honesty is one of the greatest qualities a leader can/should possess, it''s important. Obama said in his infomercial he would be honest with us, but will he, since he hasn''t been so far? And why is that?

I don''t mind others who are not voting for him offering their thoughts/discussion, but I want to keep this civil. Mudslinging and name calling just derail from the real issue, and there''s a vote at stake here. If you all agree that''s important, let''s keep it nice.

Now, let''s hear it, I really wanna vote Tuesday morning.

If your gut tells you not to believe him, don''t. If your instincts tell you he isn''t being truthful, trust them. And if you can''t vote for the ''other guy'', then don''t. The independents can''t win, but they can screw up the totals for the major party candidates; so unless you really like one of them, don''t vote that way either. Vote on every other line of your ballot and leave that line blank. It''s okay. A vote deliberately not cast is a perfectly valid way to exercise your right to vote.

 

[Libster]

Great thread, Ellen...thanks for staring it! I''ve struggled too, and enjoyed reading everyones thoughtful and informative responses.

 

[goobear78]

Date: 11/3/2008 7:14:48 PM
Author: HollyS

If your gut tells you not to believe him, don't. If your instincts tell you he isn't being truthful, trust them. And if you can't vote for the 'other guy', then don't. The independents can't win, but they can screw up the totals for the major party candidates; so unless you really like one of them, don't vote that way either. Vote on every other line of your ballot and leave that line blank. It's okay. A vote deliberately not cast is a perfectly valid way to exercise your right to vote.

Hey Holly - are you an Obama voter? Wow, I wouldn't have guessed you'd be voting for him!

 

[PaulaW]

Dear Ellen and all of you who contributed to this thread:
Thank you. I am a registered independent and was a swing voter who was very, very torn as to how to vote. I took many online voting quizzes to help me decide, and I was always right down the middle. I read this thread with great interest and a number of things you all have said really resonated with me.
Surfgirl, your post in particular had a big effect on me. You articulated the deep down reason I voted for Bush - fear. McCain continues to perpetuate that and it never sat well with me. I also do not like his choice of Palin as a running mate... she''s far, far to right for my taste. The fact that Obama has been able to unify so many diverse people is a huge reason I liked him so much but I wondered if it was enough. After reviewing this post and a few unbiased fact checking sites, I decided that his unification abilities is what actually put him over the edge for me and I also like that the world is so hopeful towards change for us. I think he may be able to heal our country''s image and set us back on the right track.
So thanks again to you all!
I voted today, did you!?

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 11/4/2008 11:55:51 AM
Author: PaulaW
Dear Ellen and all of you who contributed to this thread:
Thank you. I am a registered independent and was a swing voter who was very, very torn as to how to vote. I took many online voting quizzes to help me decide, and I was always right down the middle. I read this thread with great interest and a number of things you all have said really resonated with me.
Surfgirl, your post in particular had a big effect on me. You articulated the deep down reason I voted for Bush - fear. McCain continues to perpetuate that and it never sat well with me. I also do not like his choice of Palin as a running mate... she''s far, far to right for my taste. The fact that Obama has been able to unify so many diverse people is a huge reason I liked him so much but I wondered if it was enough. After reviewing this post and a few unbiased fact checking sites, I decided that his unification abilities is what actually put him over the edge for me and I also like that the world is so hopeful towards change for us. I think he may be able to heal our country''s image and set us back on the right track.
So thanks again to you all!
I voted today, did you!?

Yay, Paula!!!

 

[movie zombie]

Date: 11/4/2008 10:19:11 AM
Author: goobear78

Date: 11/3/2008 7:14:48 PM
Author: HollyS

If your gut tells you not to believe him, don''t. If your instincts tell you he isn''t being truthful, trust them. And if you can''t vote for the ''other guy'', then don''t. The independents can''t win, but they can screw up the totals for the major party candidates; so unless you really like one of them, don''t vote that way either. Vote on every other line of your ballot and leave that line blank. It''s okay. A vote deliberately not cast is a perfectly valid way to exercise your right to vote.

Hey Holly - are you an Obama voter? Wow, I wouldn''t have guessed you''d be voting for him!

+1000


movie zombie

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/4/2008 11:55:51 AM
Author: PaulaW
Dear Ellen and all of you who contributed to this thread:
Thank you. I am a registered independent and was a swing voter who was very, very torn as to how to vote. I took many online voting quizzes to help me decide, and I was always right down the middle. I read this thread with great interest and a number of things you all have said really resonated with me.
Surfgirl, your post in particular had a big effect on me. You articulated the deep down reason I voted for Bush - fear. McCain continues to perpetuate that and it never sat well with me. I also do not like his choice of Palin as a running mate... she''s far, far to right for my taste. The fact that Obama has been able to unify so many diverse people is a huge reason I liked him so much but I wondered if it was enough. After reviewing this post and a few unbiased fact checking sites, I decided that his unification abilities is what actually put him over the edge for me and I also like that the world is so hopeful towards change for us. I think he may be able to heal our country''s image and set us back on the right track.
So thanks again to you all!
I voted today, did you!?

Oh Paula, I am SO glad this thread was able to help you! While I started it because of my own struggles, I knew I wasn''t the only one. I had hoped it might help others too. So thank you, for letting all of us know it helped. It feels good, doesn''t it??!

Libster, I hope it helped you too!

 

[HollyS]

Date: 11/4/2008 10:19:11 AM
Author: goobear78

Date: 11/3/2008 7:14:48 PM
Author: HollyS

If your gut tells you not to believe him, don''t. If your instincts tell you he isn''t being truthful, trust them. And if you can''t vote for the ''other guy'', then don''t. The independents can''t win, but they can screw up the totals for the major party candidates; so unless you really like one of them, don''t vote that way either. Vote on every other line of your ballot and leave that line blank. It''s okay. A vote deliberately not cast is a perfectly valid way to exercise your right to vote.

Hey Holly - are you an Obama voter? Wow, I wouldn''t have guessed you''d be voting for him!

Well, I''ve already voted (early), and I''m sure it''s no secret as to my own alliegance, but I can still give fair and impartial advice, can''t I?