Obama's acceptance speech was incredible.  I literally felt the emotions that were being generated in that arena and I truly believe he is the absolute best thing for America at this time.  I can't imagine America if McCain wins. Let me take that back, I can imagine America if McCain wins, and it's basically a continuance of the last 8-years. 

I know that politics is a topic that generates potentially heated debates, but the one thing that frustrates the hell out of me is the fact that some people vote solely based on the party.  In other words, it does not matter if the other candidate is better qualified, they stick to their party out of pure pride and ignorance.  Personally, I've voted for both parties and I vote based on the person and the ideas/principles that he/she is offering.  I voted for Reagan, as well as Clinton because I saw the message in the PERSON and not the PARTY. 

I think this election will see more cross party "jumping" but I'm still seeing/hearing people planning to vote for McCain and even Obama purely because of party status.  Stupid in my opinion.   

Ahh, yes, the daughter he adopted from Bangladesh.  Bangladesh, Vietnam.  What?  Oh, Bangladesh is not Vietnam!  C'mon, I wrote Southeast Asia, referring to Vietnam where he fought, was shot down, and held.  Even he should be able to make the distinction between a person from Vietnam and one from Bangladesh.  That's like comparing India to Cambodia.

QUOTE: George Washington; best leader of the last three hundred years, in any country, for one thing.

Wow, you're going to compare the father of America more than 2 centuries ago to the current state of affairs?  I'm not saying that a military man can't be a great leader, I'm saying that we shouldn't employ a man who spent the early part of his life learning how to kill, and was captured and tortured for years, into the position that is supposed to be leading the world in peace and diplomacy.  Perhaps I'm biased as a teacher, but I feel we need to get leaders accustomed to picking up books instead of rifles.  We have a military; that's what they're for- just don't put a soldier into the presidency any more.

Ahh, yes, the daughter he adopted from Bangladesh.  Bangladesh, Vietnam.  What?  Oh, Bangladesh is not Vietnam!  C'mon, I wrote Southeast Asia, referring to Vietnam where he fought, was shot down, and held.  Even he should be able to make the distinction between a person from Vietnam and one from Bangladesh.  That's like comparing India to Cambodia.

I see what you're saying Greg...but McCain's been in the public eye for decades now. I think if he harbored some of those prejudices or hatred (at least to the point where it would affect his actions), we would have seen signs of it by now. 

I think a more relevant argument against McCain (and one that Obama FINALLY touched on his his speech Thursday...and I hope continues to emphasize) is his questionable judgement (plenty of examples) and temperament.

Bahahahahahaha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUMWJoLR1sM&feature=relat ed

How about the words from his own filthy mouth: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2000/02/18/ MN32194.DTL

I just find the idea that a military man can't be an intellectual or must be some sort of emotionally stunted killing machine, unift for office, offensive on so many levels. As a former "grunt" and an intellectual.
If history has shown us anything, it is that many of the political leaders with actual wartime experience are the ones most keenly aware of the cost of war. The ones least inclined to enter into it without proper deliberation and good cause. And they're also the ones with the stomach for doing what needs to be done, whether it is to finish the job or withdraw.

Look at the Bush administration. Bush, with his inglorious military record is one of the most "military" men in his administration. Most of the rest are chickenhawks, who would gladly send other men to die for their country their place. Even when they themselves were young enough and fit enough to fight. 

(I am of course excluding Secretary Powell from that. I have nothing but respect for his courage and service and truly believe that he was shamefully used and overruled by less insightful members of  the Bush administration.)

If anything, the recent administration would be an argument in favor of encouraging seasoned, responsible and even-tempered military men to run for political office.