I’m not really interested in fairness or anything, but this is just pathetic. I mean… we get it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPLtotzqH0M&NR=1[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf0x_TpDris[/youtube]

It’s no secret I’m an Obama supporter (see the badge in the top right corner). Nonetheless, I like to think that I am approaching this election with as much of an open mind as possible. With that preface I ask, “Why does Hillary Clinton want to be the next President of the United States?”

I honestly don’t think it is because she believes she is the best candidate for the job. Furthermore, I don’t think it is solely for the historical clout of being the first female President (although she is clearly motivated by this fact).

No, when I hear statements like the one she made at her former college about her time there preparing her for the “all boys club of Presidential politics,” and statements made last night in Nevada about aiming for the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” I am led to believe the Presidency is merely the next step in her life’s goal. I don’t want that kind of President.

When I look at the lot of Presidential candidate hopefuls I see less than a handfull that truly exhibit a passion for the service of the Presidency: Obama & Kucinich on the left, and Ron Paul on the right. Last nights debate did nothing to change these feelings.

Last night I thought Obama started weak and ended quite strong. I thought it was more of the same from Hillary, nothing impressive or convincing in any way; although the talking heads couldn’t stop gushing over her, it was pathetic. I throw up in mouth a little every time I think of her as the President of this country. I thought Kucinich looked angry and glum the entire time, and when he spoke was more accusatory than helpful. And though he get’s a bad rap, I thought Biden was the best of the lot last night. He’s straightforward, knowledgeable when it comes to foreign affairs, and probably the most experienced of the current group. Still, I think he makes a better advisor or VP than Pres.

If you didn’t get to watch the debate, this is the Internet Age, it’s out there. If you just prefer your highlights dictated to you here is a summary, here is the complete transcript (linked to page 18 above).

It is true when you hear that this coming election will be historic; aren’t they all? This one, however, seems to hold much more in terms of our country in a global perspective and seems to be shaping up as the election that will mark a shift in the majority mindset of America. We are starting to see wedge issues such as gay marriage, and even abortion rights become less of hot topics – abortion rights came up once in last nights debate, and though I’m sure it did, I don’t recall it coming up at all in the last debate.

That’s not to say that there aren’t other wedge issues creeping in. The notion of drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants comes to mind; a clearly non-sensical and ridiculous debate for this Presidential campaign. However, even when Wolf Blitzer tried to make this an issue last night the candidates seemed to scoff at his determination. Kucinich went as far to say he took issue with his framing of the question. Obama called him out for assuming that we can not successfully reform immigration laws and admonished him to not be so pessimistic.

If you are not registered to vote, get registered. I am one of those unregistered at the moment, having just moved to a new state. If you are not paying attention to the candidates yet, you need to be. If you are like me, this will be the most important election you have ever voted in. Finally, don’t elect someone just because the Presidency is the next step for them. Elect someone who truly cares about this country, has new ideas you buy in to, and who will truly not be a devisive President. It is no secret that George W. Bush has swung the country to the extreme left. I believe Hillary Clinton would have the exact effect in the opposite direction as President, and then we run the risk of electing another embarassment after her. Put mildly, this election is important. Pay attention.

Granted, this is from Fox News, but the tape don’t lie. This woman cannot be the next President of the United States.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyC7loMop58[/youtube]

Less than 24 hours before I jump into the new job, but that’s another blog. Sets up this one though.

With my time off yesterday I picked up Jen and we met M.O.M. for lunch at The Mixx on Main behind the KC Library Plaza Branch. If you’re local, and you haven’t been there, then you’re not really local. They’re “the best Jerry, the best!”

While ordering a man walked by me in a suit and a ball cap. I always notice people dressed that way because it’s a bold move (he must drive a Ford). Anyway, he had on an Obama ‘08 hat, but it wasn’t one you can buy from BarackObama.com. In fact, the swag you can buy at the Obama.com store is actually pretty lame in terms of design. So, I stopped him, “Hey, where’d you get that hat?”

I made it!

Really? That’s great. I don’t like the ones on the Obama site.

Oh, they suck. That’s why I made these. Making shirts too, they say ‘Me and Momma for Obama!’

I love it!

It’s a coalition I’m helping start here in Kansas City.

Then he wrote down the website for me on a napkin, www.meandmommaforobama.com. I chuckled at the name and thought it was just a clever rhyming name like Obama-rama and the others that people are using to be clever. But I was wrong.

While it is a clever name, it is an actual coalition with a fantastic purpose and mission and I am proud to see it forming here in Kansas City. Me & Momma for Obama is a Midwestern coalition of Obama supporters targeted at single women who are heads of households. How I understand it, MAMFO intends to intricately involve these women and people from the “Brown and Black Community” (the sites phrase, not mine) with the issues that are primary to they and their family’s survival (healthcare, education, jobs, job security, etc). Furthermore, MAMFO has committed to raising voter turn out by 15% in poverty stricken census tracts of MO, KS, NE, IL & IA.

I love this! What I am noticing more and more is that for the first time since maybe the ‘92 Election people are actually excited about candidates. Of course, in ‘92 people were excited about candidate, singular. This time the excitement is on both sides, and I think it can only be good. The fact that people are paying attention and truly pushing for great options says something about America and where we are and where we want to be.

Back to MAMFO. Watch their site, check there updates, and if you feel so inclined, when their store is implemented (sometime this week, I’m told), buy some of their product. You’ll be helping good people and helping to elect a great man!

Yesterday I received an email from someone who was a part of the Barack Obama pre-campaign informing me I should log onto BarackObama.com today to watch an official announcement. I say was because today that person is now a part of the official Barack Obama 2008 Presidential campaign.

Obama made his announcement and intentions official this morning on the steps of the courthouse in Springfield, Illinois.

I’m just going to say this up front: I will unashamedly campaign for Obama on this blog. I think the man has the right idea about politics and how they should be used, first and foremost for the betterment of this country and its people as well as the betterment of the rest of the world.

Furthermore, as much as I now like President Bill Clinton and what he was able to accomplish in office, I think it is time for a fresh face and name in D.C. Seems to me Hillary will only bring more of the same old politics and legislation. I certainly don’t want to see another Bush or anyone affiliated with he or his family in the White House.

Who knows what will play out over the next year and a half of campaigning. I am sure at times it will disgust us all as campaigns tend to do. My hope, though, is that there will be more “A-ha!” moments than the same old “whatever…” feeling.

If you don’t know much about Obama, you should learn. I for one am happy to see someone running with an actual chance that seems to represent my thoughts and feelings without weighing them down, or padding them with platforms of appeasement (gay marriage, stem cells, etc.).

On a completely superficial note, Obamas website is boss!