Disappointed/Confused

I don't usually like to talk about cliche topics (i.e. the election) but it's definitely what's on my mind after last night's debate.

I generally consider myself conservative. Not ultra conservative, but definitely on that side of the line. I would like to vote with my party. But why is McCain making it so hard?

Last night I felt like a little child listening to a feeble old man for advice I don't really need. Yes Granpa- I know what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are. And yes, I knew what they were before this economic crisis/election. But thanks for asking.

I agree with McCain on many of his platform issues. But is that the only thing that's important? Ideas are useless if you can't convice people that they are right. I have to say that I appreciate Obama's strong rhetoric, no-nonsense answers, and impressive demeanor. I think that the American people need a President that emmitts confidence and surety, that doesn't show fear. McCain may be a maverick, and I believe he's a brave soul, but he just doesn't really come off that way. Isn't that important?

Among all of the very important jobs of a president, one that I think is really essential is being the mouthpiece of the government to the people. When something happens, we look to the president for reassurance and guidance. These are some difficult times, and we need someone we can be confident in and look to. That's why FDR's fireside chats were so effective. The American people needed guidance, and he gave it to them. Can McCain be that guidance? Even if his ideals are good, I need someone that can make them work.

I don't need to hear about pig barrel earmarks, reaching across the aisle to hold Joe Lieberman's hand, or Obama doing "this and that" (his exact words). I need straightforward answers. I'm trusting my country to you- help be believe that you deserve it, and not just because you're a maverick, but because you're intelligent, quick thinking, and confident that you can improve the lives of all of us paying your salary.

That said, I'm not leaning over the Obama's side. There are many things I disagree on, but I'll save that for another day.

One last rant, and then I'm done. I'm really tired of people talking about how "when Bush came into office, there was a surplus." Yes. It was a time of peace. The biggest issues in that election were no child left behind, healthcare, social security, etc. In the last eight years, many things have changed. Our country was attacked by terrorists, we've entered and fought a war. We've had many economic hardships as a result of the war that were unrelated to our current issues. Those things cost money. End of story. Have we ever had a surpus during a war? It's a fact we have to come to terms with that it takes money, and I guarantee that on September 12, 2001 99.99% of this country wanted to go to war with whoever comitted that horrible atrocity. War isn't an openhouse. You can't come and go whenever you please. Once you enter, you need to finish what you start. That's expensive. Please stop talking about it.

That said, I do think it's time to bring some of that war money back home. We need to make sure that Americans are OK before we go splurging in countries that have billions in surplus themselves. But it will take time, and I'm ok with that.

Thanks for indulging me.