However, this brings up an interesting point. When the campaign really gets under way, do you think the McCain camp will resort to this, the Muslim background, the rumors that he refuses to wear the flag lapel pin, that sort of thing? Or do you think they’ll stick to what they’ve been using which was Clinton’s admonishment that Obama isn’t ready for that 3am call, despite the fact that she’s now urging people to help unite the democratic party?

Yes, you can argue that Bidon is a long-time Washington guy as well. But his style, experience, and straitforwardness (something Hillary really lacks) are all things that nicely balance Obama’s weaknesses.

I’m glad Bidon was the choice, because it shows that the Obama people didn’t make decision solely based on the electoral map. They made the decision based on someone who can be a positive contribution to the top level of government, once the good guys take the white house.

For future reference: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome

I realize it’s not the most unbiased site, but it is straight from the horse’s mouth, as it were.

I’m going with McCain – not my first choice but better him than Obama. Heck, better Hillary (definitely not my first, second… ninetieth choice) than Obama. Even if I agreed with you about Bush, Obama doesn’t offer an alternative – he’d have to have firm positions to do that. Basically, he wants ‘change’ – well, nuking Iraq would be ‘change’ – but hardly a good one. The sticky parts of what kind of change and how he’d go about getting it – especially since Americans have a real affinity for divided government – are more than a little shy on specifics.

I’m surprised he hasn’t used ‘bipartisanship’ in his speeches more since it’s one of the claims he’s making (that whole ‘reaching across the aisle’ thing). Yet McCain’s record is head and shoulders above Obama’s for doing just exactly that. Obama has a perfect record – he’s never ‘reached across the aisle’ even once. Yup, that’ll convince those Republicans to support his policies… not.

Assuming he ever gets around to telling us just exactly what those policies are – other than protecting abortion on demand against rationality. Anymore left wing and the guy would be to the left of Lenin (not quite as big of an exaggeration as you’d think) – which is gonna hut him in the fall. I’m waiting for the fireworks of the debates. Obama doesn’t debate well at all and McCain is in his element there. “Change” is a weak debate point without specifics and Obama has the tricky task of not alienating his base while not driving away the all important Center. McCain appeals strongly to the Center so his task is mostly to not make a fool of himself. McCain’s job is made easier by the likelihood that Obama can’t sidestep enough specifics to keep himself out of hot water.

Last thing – running against an outgoing admin is stupid. Drawing parallels between the incumbent and his party’s nominee is like saying that MLK and Malcolm X had the same policies because both were black. Logical fallacy aside, people don’t vote against presidential candidates nearly as much as they vote for one. Obama’s strength thus far relies on that fact – people supporting him largely believe he offers something rather than merely not being as bad as the present admin. To keep that up he needs to start offering substance before McCain pops his balloon; otherwise he’ll never survive the debates.

Interestingly enough, I read an article today that quoted Biden as saying he “would be honored to run with or against McCain.” Fits your assertion that he’s a republican in democratic clothing, lol.

As far as race and gender goes, it’s an issue for many people. I think we’ve come a long way and I’m glad to see that we had both a woman and an African American in the primaries together because it forced people to look at the issues our country was facing and not focus too much on anything else. But now it’s down to Obama and McCain, who is, as you aptly put it, a good ole boy. That is where the race issue comes into play. While I agree that Biden balances out some of Obama’s inexperience, there are other factors screaming for attention. I keep coming back to the racist remarks that Biden is quite known for. Obama knew that. If race weren’t a factor, why choose someone who made racist remarks? Obama is a smart guy. Obviously a lot went into his decision on the VP nomination, and while Biden wouldn’t have been my first choice, he does bring some interesting cards to the table.

I think Obama doesn’t bring up race, because it truly doesn’t matter. At least in my neck of the country. I hear a bunch of judgments, as usual, but nothing regarding ability tied to race. Funny, heard a lot of negativity regarding sex – and I didn’t like it.

That said, I feel Obama picked Biden to balance out his in-experience with Biden’s long history. Although, I don’t particularly agree with the Biden choice. To me he is a Republican in Democrat clothing. He votes more in line with McCain. Maybe this is what Obama wants to open our minds to all sides – creating the change in old parties to a new hybrid model????

For McCain, if he wants a lick of chance, he needs to bring in a personality. Someone that can stand toe to toe with Obama and be liked by the masses. A personable soul. Much like Huckabee (sp?). McCain may have experience, but besides resembling a Carol Burnett regular, he is lacking personality. Thankfully, his wife has a ton. :-) She must save him at dinner parties.

I do not believe, with the big spending of Republicans, that our country can continue this path. I believed it 4 years ago and 8 years ago I knew we were being pushed through a liars poll when they altered the votes to put Bush in office. I still believe he is only in office because of his brothers position in Florida.

I would love to see an independent shake up the whole mix and provide us with clear views and directions, outside of the good ole’ boys club. A business man, that has been in business a long time. One that knows the importance of profits and a balanced budget. Our country could be a power again, with a balanced budget. We need to buy back America – TODAY!