Who Do You Vote For?

I haven't talked much about the political machinations that are going on in today's political landscape. I consider myself a fierce independent and although no candidate matches my particular form of what government should be (Can anyone say Parliamentary system?) I still will vote in the general election.

I have always believed that Obama would win the nomination (I realize it is still early but like many Americans, I think Mrs. Clinton is going to lose this battle). Why you may ask? Well there are a few reasons why. Some philosophical, others are more historical. Let's take the "wayback machine" to 1870. On Feb 3, 1870 African-Americans received the right to vote (15^th Amendment). Some would argue that this wasn't fully realized until 1965 (with the passage of Voting Rights Act) but in general African Americans got to vote first (BEFORE Women). Now, let's fast forward to 1920 when the 19^th Amendment was passed giving Women the right to vote. So in effect, the country was more amenable for a Black Man voting than a White Woman. I realize this is a major overgeneralization, but looking through history, it seems to be true (Remember slavery was outlawed in the UK for years before women received the right to vote, which happened in 1928). [For those of you who are fans of psychohistory and Asimov Sci-fi, you can see I applied bit here]. So in short, Obama will be the Democratic candidate for President (probably.... Even if Clinton can get Delegates seated in FL and MI, she still won't have enough to win).

That being said, we know the presumptive candidate for the Republicans is John McCain. Now, I am totally "colorblind" (My parents did a wonderful job of pointing out the idiocy of racial bias) and care more about what the candidate's character and positions than anything else. However, like any person interested in politics, Charisma plays a major role in electability. Obama has it and brings it. I watch Obama on the news and I feel excited to be an American. His message of Hope (Which he still needs to quantify and explain how we can change the Nations course since we have been driven by a complete nut job in the Oval Office for the last 8 years) is refreshing and exhilarating. He is the "John Kennedy" of my generation. This man could be the first African American President in history. To me, that's an extraordinarily exciting concept. I know die hard Republicans who grudgingly admit that "if it wasn't for his politics, I would vote for him in a minute." Sure he lacks in experience, but there have been some terrible Presidents who have had lots of experience (Buchanan, Fillmore, Harding, and Nixon).

John McCain is a War hero with years of experience (Some would say "too many as old as he is"). His politics align more with my personal views (Government Spending, Gun Control, etc), but his views on Iraq are totally crazy. He doesn't hold a candle to Obama on the charismatic side and his age is a major concern to me. (The last years of the Regan Presidency was a bit tenuous due to Regan's age and the diminished mental capacity. There are documented cases where Regan during his negotiations with the Soviets nearly blundered)

So here I am. Do I vote for someone who excites me and gives me hope? Do I vote for someone who "sorta" aligns more with my political convictions? My Father would say, "You need to vote for someone who is as close to your political convictions". The problem is that Bush also aligns with some of my political ideals (More than Kerry did) and he is/was a disaster for this country. I am conflicted. Other friends of mine are similarly conflicted and have decided not to vote (Which I feel is wrong).

Although I think Obama would be an exciting time and a tremendous opportunity for African Americans, I have a very hard time reconciling his "extreme" policies (Gun control, spending, etc). McCain's views on Iraq are also so disconcerting; I don't know what the right answer is.

So, here I am an undecided voter. I still haven't decided who I would vote for. However, I know who I wouldn't vote for under any circumstance. Hillary.

Michael, still wondering who to vote for, out.

PS: I wish McClane was running!