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On politics

So one of my favorite things to think about is politics. I feel kinda guilty admitting that, as it’s given much more attention and importance than I feel it deserves. At the same time, it’s been a long time since I’ve had such mixed feelings about an election.

Two years ago, I believed Obama was a longshot candidate. Today, he seems a near certain victor. Eight years ago McCain was too much of a maverick for republicans. Today, he’s towing the party line (not Bush’s line, but still hat the party leadership wants). I would have happily voted for the 2000 McCain, since a true bipartisan and maverick would be a welcome change. Obama’s claims of post-partisan politics are only true if you define post-partisan as left-leaning.

What I like about Obama:

  • He’s an inspiring speaker
  • He comes across as presidential
  • He’s young
  • He’s smart
  • He’s inspiring
  • He took down the Clinton machine-ended the Bush-Clinton dynasty
  • Would probably not deliver on promises and would be a one term president

And what I dislike:

  • He’s arrogant like no other. I think he’s running for Jesus, not president
  • He uses people for political gain
  • His associations are scary
  • He says what you want to hear, not what he intends to do

What I like about McCain:

  • He’s spent time in Washington
  • He’s not a Bush clone – as a matter of fact, he was the bane of his party in 2000
  • He’s a centrist
  • He actually has meaningful experience

What I dislike about McCain:

  • He’s a hothead
  • He’s old
  • He has a Bush-like tendency for gaffes
  • His conservatism is suspect-seems to be for big government, like most current republicans
  • He’s inarticulate
  • I can’t see him as president
  • The chances of him dying in office are too high to have inexperienced Palin as the vice president
  • Would most likely be a one term president due to age

All that said, I can’t vote for either major party candidate. I’m investigating my options. Looking into third parties and write ins. Whatever your political persuasion, go vote next Tuesday. It’s critical in shaping who runs next time around.