(moved to a new thread in the politics section by request)

We have been over similar ground before and I think established that we choose candidates differently. You take a more clinical approach than I do, focusing on facts, stated positions on issues, and the like. I can just picture you filling in a spreadsheet and adding up the points. I pay attention to those things, too, but also rely on gut instinct on how I think someone will serve and what they will try to do. Also the degree to which I think they can facilitate getting those things done. I'm not saying either of our approaches is right or wrong, just that they are different.

I mention only in passing that what you say is exactly the seed of doubt the Clintons are trying to sow ;-) They may as well try it, since nothing else is working.

Can I tell my black history month joke now? ;-) (Actually Penn Jillette's). It sheds light on why Obama has taken the lead. Hmmm, well, maybe not. You probably wouldn't like it.


>This is what is the most exciting but also concerns me most. The enthusiasm for Obama is amazing and it's absolutely great for our country in terms of getting the public involved and voting. However, based on interviews and polls it appears to be all about emotion and not about accomplishments or specific policies.
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>What has he accomplished as a Senator?
>What are his specific policies that you agree with?
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>In polls and interviews, so far I have not heard a single person mention anything specific to qualify their voting for him.
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>But then, doesn't history show that the most charismatic candidate usually wins? :o)
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>>Your paragraph about not having to hold your nose is exactly where I am coming from, and why I have been for both Obama and McCain. We really need to get beyond the vicious partisanship and back to solving our problems. They both have positions that will not appeal to the other side but I think they are close enough to the center and willing enough to work with the "opposition." The reason I have hope for Obama in particular is he is pulling in younger voters who have seen no reason to get involved in the political process until now. Maybe I am just going through that Wild Enthusiasm stage that usually gets ground down after the inauguration but I see Obama leading us back to a can-do attitude. And he will certainly repair some of the damage done with our allies.
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>>I haven't thought much about veep and so forth. You know what would be a great choice for both Obama and McCain, whichever one wins? Each other. Now there is a radical thought. Supposedly they don't like each other much but you know how things get said in the heat of a campaign. Nothing would send a clearer signal that it is going to be a new era in American politics.