My Politics

Last night I had a vivid dream that I was in a car with Barak Obama and John McCain. It wasn’t nearly as bizarre as it might seem, and perhaps it’s to be expected when you use your television as an alarm and The Today Show becomes the accompaniment for your R.E.M. cycle. Anyway, remarkably (but not really surprising) they had a great time together, agreed about much and both spoke with such passion that I felt better about the upcoming election. And then I woke up.

So far this presidential election has been typical. As primary candidates Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain spoke with very few details and were moderate centrists. After it became clear that each would receive the nomination of their party, they began to unveil their plans for the country, ramp up the common Democrat vs. Republican rhetoric and move as far left and right as their personal comfort level would allow. Finally we are now forced to endure the most irritating aspect of any political season – commercials. I don’t care who you’re voting for - these advertisements are, universally, misleading at best and malicious lies at worst. I truly hope no political advertisement determines your vote but, I fear for some they represent the sum of their knowledge about the candidates and issues.

This has been a typical election cycle for me as well. I don’t feel either candidate is for me. I want another choice. In my voting life, I have only once voted “for” a significant candidate. I have never voted “for” a presidential candidate. I have always felt like I was choosing the lesser of two evils – not an inspiring choice in the bunch. Perhaps it is because no candidate has ever really seemed to speak to me. Each seems to be talking to or about someone else. I’m not rich or poor. I’m fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I don’t think the government was designed to manage or would be good at managing much of anything beyond the common defense and the federal legal system and let’s be honest they mess those things up with a fair amount of regularity. Both candidates want to be more involved in my life than I want them to be, albeit for different reasons. Both candidates purport to be able to change or affect policy that, as President, they would have no direct power to change or effect. So how do I choose the person best suited to lead our country? It seems like a crap shoot.

So, back to my dream…I’m not saying a vague memory from my dream life will entirely decide my vote but, I think it offers some insight. At base these two men are not as different as their handlers and parties would like us as voters to believe. Mr. Obama is not the only visionary and Mr. McCain not the only maverick. Both have set themselves apart and demonstrated intellect, charm and determination. Both have made hard choices in life and given of themselves to their country and the people. Neither should be judged by the standard of the other. Opportunity is uniquely personal. Mr. Obama could not have Mr. McCain’s experience and vice versa. I’ve always believed the best leaders surround themselves with smart people and listen to them. I believe the most important role for the President of the United States is to represent us before the world. Sometimes that means being a diplomat and sometimes that means being a bully. The President gives his life, for the term of the office, in service to The Country, The Constitution and The People. So who is best? I’m still not sure but as leaders they are distinctly different. Mr. Obama is an eloquent man of vision and ideals. He sets a lofty goal and it’s important for our country to reach and achieve. Mr. McCain is a fighter, a bulldog who argues and bargains and has accomplished much by leading the opposition and going against the conventional approach. Who is the best man for the job? I’m still not sure, but my dream has reminded me that whoever wins on Election Day will be my President whether I voted for him or not. And I don’t think we’ll be in bad shape either way.