>>>>>>>I will leave the race issue aside, other than to observe that it is critical. Are we ready to elect a black President? Are we ready to elect a female President? We'll see.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Why is it critical?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>What I like about Obama is that he talks sense. He is a pragmatist to the point that his fellow black legislators in Springfield practically spitballed him. They now speak of him with respect. He is a guy who wants to get things done.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Well, every Joe, Dick and Harry say they'll get things done. I just haven't heard him say anything that sets him apart. I think his supporter are just banking on his race and charisma.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Let's just say we disagree. He has a lot more going for him than you have noticed so far.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Ok.
>>>>But I'm not trying to pick on you or Obama. I've seen or listened to a lot of the debates. I just want to know what his supporters hear/see that I'm not. Maybe I'll vote from him too if I knew his "whats" and "hows".
>>>
>>>For once, we're on the same wavelength. I like Obama because he is a good speaker, is charming, and seems truly to want to make the country a better place. But truth to tell, if you ask me about what he really stands for on a plank for plank basis, I couldn't tell you. If I were a U.S. voter, I don't think I could vote for him feeling as vague as I do with what the details of his platform really are.
>>
>>
>>There has been a lot questions about his blackness... is he black enough..blah, blah, blah?
>>There are hundreds of black politicians at the miniciple, state and federal level. But has that improved the plight of the [urban] black americans? It seems to me they're still struggling with same old issues as before.
>>
>>In case you're wondering, my point isn't that african americans make bad politicians.
>
>I wouldn't care if he were polka dot and wore paper clips through his eyelids. All that matters is that I understand his message and how he intends to accomplish what he wants to do, and that understanding it, I agree with it. At this point I just find it all a bit too vague.

what's not vague is that you and I see eye-to-eye on this. :)