Well, yeah other than being the congressional tie-breaker and gavel banger, they also get to:

1) Pick up the President's dry-cleaning

2) Wash the President's camero - by hand, as to not mess up the bitchin' flame decals on the sides.

3) Rub the President's barkin' dogs every night.

4) Pick the cabbage out of the President's cole slaw.  The President likes sauce, but not cabbage.  It's his way.

5) Service the President's wife.

6) Eat his own weight in hard-boiled eggs.

Etc and so on...

"but on the other hand, some republicans will be voting Obama"

I guess some always switch sides on election day, but I see it this way. McCain is not liked by the more conservative republicans, but the option is the super liberal Obama, and I can't see them being too eager to try that.

If he does get the nomination, I hope Obama picks someone OTHER than
Richardson, because he lost me with his opinions on illegal immigration
during the debates.

What was the position Richardson took -- I don't recall.

+++++++++++++++++++++

He's all for giving them driver's licenses...and scholarships. And he supported the 2007 bill that would have been too close to giving them amnesty.

Michael - that's how I feel when I hear that Hillary supporters will turn to McCain.

Really?  With a few exceptions (Hi Scott!  And vicey-versa with my republican Obama supporters), if you're someone who believes that the Democrats have best methods to run things, I can't see you supporting McCain over anyone.

We hear about how he's "moderate", but other than him being sensible(ish) in terms of immigration, his voting record shows a guy who votes right (Christian right, too!) straight down the line.

Yeah, I can see that point as well.

And I've read Obama described as THE most liberal democrat in Washington. I can't quote everyone that has said this, but I can start with a Mr. Blackwell from the Washington Sun. I'm sure there are more, and some more qualified even. I think when the primary is done, the blinders will come off and Obama won't be running as the prettier alternative ( to Hillary ). His record on voting, and his relatively short history/experience will make it tough for him. Quick question, who was the last democrat to win office running on the "raise your taxes" platform?

FDR?

I hear Obama talked about as the most liberal guy as well, but... the facts don't really back that up.

He votes Democratic, that's for sure, but he also votes sensibly.  And one of the things that made him stand out at the state level was that his votes weren't so political - they would frequently involve bridge-building with the republicans, and sensible solutions.

And we shouldn't write off his time at the state level - factoring that in, he's got more experience than Hillary, in terms of elected office.

Which is the nuttier notion, guys - that Obama is a liberal or that McCain is a moderate?

Both statements are reasonable. McCain IS a moderate Republican, Obama IS a liberal Democrat.

Here's the question, which is closer to the middle of the road/ the larger percentage of voters? Assuming people will quit looking at Obama's smooth veneer and flowery speeches and start looking harder at his voting tendencies. His foreign policy statements in the past scare the crap outta me. 

I don't get the backlash against driver's licences - don't we want safe licenced drivers on the streets?

That backlash is really poorly thougth out in my opinion.

What scares you about them? 

I like what I've heard.  Going after OBL?  Sounds good to me.

Establishing dialogues with other nations?  Why aren't we doing that now?

Is there one I'm missing?  Is he threatening to bomb France or something?