well put. well put. i personally started to distrust McCain even more after watching the most recent debate on tv.

When I consider who to trust I consider who gives me hope: which ticket makes me feel most hopeful about the future of our country for the next 4 to 8 years? When I look at McCain I see an admirable old war hero afraid to letgo of wealth and mythos of a bygone era. When I look at Palin, I see an out-of-touch idealist with little grasp on the realities outside her frozen state. When I look at Biden, I see a challenge to the nation. When I look at Obama I see the potential for serious reform. We need to challenge and reform. What we've been doing doesn't work.

The definition of insanity is repeating the same actions over and over expecting different results. Time for a new game plan.

Not necessarily. I apologize for how vague my argument was (reading over it now, I'm mildly surprised); let me try to clarify it a bit. =]

I do care about the actual issues. But I feel that the most pressing issue right now is the financial/economic crisis, which is predicted to last for quite some time. And I feel that, despite all our best efforts, it's going to be a "one hell of a ride." And one of the best antidotes in cases like these is a strong, confident leader who has the people's trust. And based on my own feelings and the results of polls, I feel that Obama is better suited for that role. Plus I cannot tolerate too many campaign lies, which is much more extensive for McCain/Palin (aka "Palin propaganda"). Some of this can be found here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and in many, many more places.

Of course, like I said earlier, I'm not an unequivocal supporter of Obama. In a sense, I'm choosing "the lesser of two evils."

Well put my friend! I think we all have some misgivings as to whose programs may work better but we've got to roll the dice. I understand what you mean about liking this and not liking that about the candidates but at the end of the day I'll sleep more soundly when I know the country is in the hands of someone I trust.

Long ago and far away I gave up my support of Hillary when she suspended her campaign. I had such a struggle with Barack Obama and the thought of electing him, as most of you know. The rhetoric is over for now and we've all been made aware of their takes on all the issues...but the MAN who will become President of the United States and who has won my vote is, indeed, Barack Obama. I'm willing to risk it all on what I believe and who I believe in. I've made my connection with him as I never could have with John "I'll always hate the Geeks" McCain. Their running mates also factor into my decision. Joe Biden is the man who stands with and believes in Obama too. I like the guy...always have! Sarah Palin pales by comparison to him in so many ways. I trust Barack Obama to lead this country into the new frontier of global wellness and world security. I believe he has the character to build our nation to its greatest potential since JFK. That's good enough for me...when do we start???

We now sit in the middle of what a Capitalistic and greedy President brought us over these 8 years and we are in the middle of a war. We have always had socialistic type programs here and always will. They are FOR the people and help ease the burdens they face every day!.

First of all, Youtube isn't that great of a source (just like The Onion). And increased regulation is just another step away from capitalism (which is built on greed) towards socialism. It also makes the government more bureaucratic. It's surprising that Republicans would actually take the side of the liberals, calling for more government control. And I'd like some evidence as to the Democrats being motivated by money. As this article shows, Obama was never related to Freddie/Fannie.

As to ACORN: if you read the actual facts about ACORN and take a look at the actual court conclusions, and you'll find that McCain is the one lying about ACORN (also see here). Plus the Republicans have done far worse than just fake registrations: Voters were duped into registering as Republicans. All these things are the reason why people like Powell, the former Republican secretary of state, support Obama.

I think a big part of the answer to this is found in the debate title: "trust." McCain's latest attacks on Obama have led some people to distrust him more. And although I agree with McCain on some issues (e.g. his tax laws) and disagree with Obama on others (e.g. abortion), I feel like I have little choice but to go for Obama. He is more charismatic, promising to be a more personal leader during all the economic chaos right now.

This blog post (I don't know much about the person writing it, but I like the article) summarizes my view pretty well.

I know I may not be speaking for the majority of Americans. I don't claim to be. But for some, what I feel is a concern for them also.

Here's an idea - fun

http://www.aarpvote08.com/?d=SmFtYWlzZSBXaWxzb24=

I think you meant "Gooks" rather than "Geeks" ;)

You forgot walk on water, heal the sick and turn water into wine. I think you are confused. Obama is the messiah, not McCain.

The issue is not that Obama will raise taxes. The problem is that he admits that his tax plan will raise LESS revenue while his programs will spend MORE money. He has two choices. Increase the deficit by more than Bush or cut defense spending to the bone . . . or admit his tax plan was dead before arrival and just an empty promise of a bribe to 95% of voters. I guess that is three choices.

Ink, you're misrepresenting my word "risk." I believe anyone who wins the Presidency is a risk....both Democrat or Republican. They are unknown entities to the office.

Everyone has already had their life savings tapped out to next to nothing Ink. I'm not voting for a smile or a best coif...I'm voting on what I believe and whom I trust! Do you actually believe you wouldn't be rolling the dice on the other side as well in some fashion?

A very interesting take on corporate taxation for which John McCain is famous for allowing them to pay less taxes than the middle class through loopholes that would astound you if you read about it. It's been talked about all through the primaries and debates. Where is your proof that Obama will raise taxes by 3 trillion dollars? When he does I should think it would be on those who indeed are above the cut-off amount. I cannot cast a vote on what YOU just told us! That would negate everything I know or think!

Where is your evidence for Obama raising taxes $3 trillion? Some guy on Youtube? And if you claim that Obama's election promises are false, can't everyone claim the same thing about McCain? Like I could say right now that McCain is going to nuke California for the fun of it, and you couldn't possibly prove me wrong - after all, he could be lying. I could even put up a Youtube video to boot. I'd suggest you look through Obama's tax plan.

How will McCain restore government in Iraq? All he's promised to do is continue what Bush is doing...for up to a 100 years. How will he get the Taliban out of Afghanistan? How will he close borders? Through something like the Bush-McCain amnesty? And what are these 'solutions for the economy'? Are you saying that ideas are somehow going to pop into his head the second he enters the White House (but not a second before)?

What info did you give us? You only gave a laundry list of stuff we'd like to happen. (on that topic, I'd like driving laws to allow 15 year olds to drive...and maybe the government could pay for a private-school education...oh oh and maybe they could also just give everyone free money..)

By the way, the Republicans continually chanting Obama's middle name achieve absolutely nothing. Just like having the last name 'Washington' doesn't mean you're as good as George Washington and are automatically fit for president.

Oh Pyggy...STFU! You know better. We've hashed and re-hashed the issues now it's time for some of us to think along other lines as well. When you're satisfied on the answers given on the issues, ask yourself, whom do you really trust between the two.

Oh sure, I would have found Ted Bundy not guilty...uh-huh! Some nice guy, that! Ted Bundy has nothing to do with this issue...He's no longer running, from anything! Ted Bundy, my royal arse! Now Nixon...you might have thought for three more seconds and asked if I would have agreed to have him impeached. There's a piece of work and one for the ages! You pot stirrer you! XXOOXX Is that your final answer or would you like a life line?

I surely disagree with your line of thinking on having a president with military experience during time of war Gary. It is enough that the Commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sit and are active in the cabinet, have their say and the field plus the intelligence reports to back themselves up. I prefer someone who can see both sides as equal options when it comes down to it. Certainly, we must also implement some programs in order to get us out of the mess and crisis we are in. How those programs will be paid for is something that has yet to be seen.

Of course they're going to raise taxes! The most salient points, however, are how much and from where.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/ 27313459#27313459

shame on you John!

Thanks Jess, for giving us this video to consider. He is absolutely correct...it's much too risky not to make the changes we need in our country. Change is very difficult...bring that about and turn it to your lives. Every change we make is a risk and we are not comfortable because we cannot be assured of the outcome. You want a pat hand? Sure you do! Then I suggest you go out to Vegas and learn how to count cards so you'll always win. You'll be hustled out of there or worse, but you'll win for the moment. We don't want just a moment. We want all the changes necessary to bring this country back to it's hope, goodness and fairness for all...no matter who and what you are. It can't be done in a day or a month or a year. Things have to be undone in order to begin again...but this time on the right track.

Oh well, my apologies....thank heavens someone knows what I meant...lol!

John McCain has a great past? Please.

"McCain says his life changed while he was in Vietnam, and he is now a different man. But he's still the undisciplined, spoiled brat that he was when he went in."

- John Dramesi, former POW, chief war planner for U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and commander of a wing of the Strategic Air Command

"He was a huge screw-off. He was always on probation. The only reason he graduated was because of his father and his grandfather -- they couldn't exactly get rid of him... In the Navy, if you crashed one airplane, nine times out of 10 you would lose your wings. Any other pilot would have found themselves as the deck officer on a destroyer someplace in a hurry... But, God, he had family pull. He was directly related to the CEO -- you know?"

- Phil Butler, former POW, lived across the hall from McCain at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis

"The fact of the matter is his judgment about what to do in Iraq was wrong. He said Iraq was going to be easy, and he said we were going to war because of terrorism. We should have been fighting in Afghanistan with more troops to go after Al Qaeda. Instead we're at risk because of the mistaken judgment of people like John McCain."

- Richard Clarke, Bush's counterterrorism czar until 2003

"He is the classic opportunist. He's always reaching for attention and glory."

- Ross Perot, worked closely with McCain on POW issues

McCain had connections to Charlie Keating, the banker who was convicted on 73 counts of fraud and racketeering for his role in the savings-and-loan scandal of the 1980s.

McCain voted against honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with a national holiday in 1983 -- a stance he held through 1989.

Your response is way cool! Applauds

"At least you recognize that Obama is the one who represents the risk to this country as we used to knew it."

This is the proof you offer to back up your statements? Talk about a bimbo video! The content in this is just so thoroughly irrelevant it makes my head spin. Tsk! Tsk!

The McCain message is that Obama is a Socialist implying that McCain is a self dependent capitalist. Although it is Obama whose campaign is supported by voluntary independent contributions and McCain who has chosen to rely on the federal government to redistribute our tax dollars for his campaign's benefit - which could and should be called socialism.

Believe what ever they tell you, then you can be an authority on what "we" need.

All McCain has left is his base. All the people who are still arguing that Obama is a terrible choice, would vote for McCain if he personally severed their heads from their necks.

I mean really folks - Collin Powell endorses Obama, but you are the smart ones who have the sense not to. Give me a break.

McCain has run the sleaziest campaign in history. Where will his honor be after this election? That's ok, every time I hear or read some idiot who makes me want to pull my hair out - I donate to the Obama campaign instead! $150 million in one month! That's a tremendous funding by people who trust Obama to lead our country. Perhaps we are all wrong, maybe it is you who really knows whats best, or maybe conservatism is a code word for racism.

I love your style, it is your candidate I think stinks!

My comment about the messiah was responding to the guy who listed all of the things McCain was going to do at the top of this column.

I like my style....don't you?

Geeze, I never thought he was the next messiah but I sure wish someone could be close to it! I don't expect my choice to be able to do anything of the kind. He has already stated that all the plans he has in mind will have to be prioritized and some put on the back burner. I think that's something I can appreciate in a person who's probably going to be our next President. I don't believe that McCain would be able to do what Obama can and I don't trust McCain to act rationally on the budget or much else. I don't like his tone and I don't appreciate the "Geek" thing. He talks about things one doesn't say in a speech or debate...well that remark looms very large with me. This is about who do you trust...in your heart of hearts when all else is on the table. I trust Obama.

I am aware of the debate...I posted in it. What do you find offensive, if I may ask, and was it on that debate or this one? Whom was it I was speaking to...please be specific!

None of the above.

Kisses Ink on the forehead, says thanks and back atcha!

If not for Henry Kissinger and détente Nixon would have flunked there too. Every President could use Henry Kissinger in his heyday. The man was brilliant! You remember Watergate don't you? All the lies, the tapes and the "I AM NOT A CRIMINAL" speech? I even remember the "Checker's Speech." Yes, what a bastard and he always was a whiny little wimp.

Oh yes, JFK...the guy who allowed Robert the leeway and went after organized crime, civil rights, human rights, the Cuban missile crisis and was killed....yes, that passive man!

LBJ was a well connected asshole...but not because he helped civil rights or created Medicaid and Medicare. He was not a likable man. He made a total mess of Viet Nam and escalated the war beyond belief. That man knew everyone in politics and they all owed him big time.

Why? Why Not from this angle? If you don't care, why write anything at all? If they're ALLLLLL bullshit artists then surely McCain has had the longevity to hone his best talent! He and his running mate scare me half to death.

Kuklapolitan, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could be a little less offensive in your arguments. I don't mean the quality of the arguments, just the way you present them. (and, yes, I hate ad hominem attacks a lot; just take a look at this debate :P). Thanks!

I don't quite get your meaning amoran. "None of the above?" What does that pertain to?

OMG yes, I remember the show all too well! lol twice! That should be Palin's theme song..."A horse is a horse, of course, of course...."

Ink, I absolutely know you won't let my remarks pass without comment. That's why you're my ally! I love to read you...you're like a op-ed page in the newspaper...and that's a compliment!