Obamacoma

Yesterday was historic in many ways and thanks to a very good friend I was able to be a part of the celebration by attending the rally at Grant Park or Obamapalooza. What a night! While I stood in Grant Park with over 70,000 of my bestest friends (and Oprah) I got to experience an election party for the 44th President of the United States. photos to be posted soon

Initially, I didn't know how I would react either good or bad, but when CNN announced Senator Obama as the projected winner, when everyone just let out a big cheer, I was astounded, excited and just happy it was all over. My thoughts first went to the daunting challenge ahead for him and the country as we begin to rebuild as well as heal the very distinct division in this country over ideology. There are so many things that need to be "fixed" right now that while I have some uneasiness, but things are bound to get better. This was before Obama actual speech. After Senator Obama came out and spoke to us and the world, my uneasiness faded. It is still there a bit, but my hope for a brighter future on both national and foreign policy issues is stronger than ever.

Now the work begins. In my eyes the right candidate won and will lead us all in the right direction, but I don't wear rose colored glasses. The 4 years and 76 days until the next inauguration day will be a tough and I hope that the issues raised in the campaigns will continue to be scrutinized to keep us challenged and on the path for a better tomorrow.

Bitter State?

The political talk circuit has been a buzz with Former Secretary of State/Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell's endorsement of Senator Obama. When I first heard about the announcement I don't think I was as surprised as many others are about the endorsement. What else would a man who was thrown under the bus by the Bush Administration and then hung out to dry do?!

Ok, so he isn't making it personal and I am glad that General Powell kept to the issues. I am happy he raised the same concern as many of us have about the Sarah Palin; she isn't ready or qualified to be Vice President or for that matter President. For a man who has been so well respected in the Republican Party to come out and say what he says is huge, don't get me wrong, and I am glad that someone from "the other side" has come out and said it.

The pundits are right, this is a big nail in the coffin for the McCain campaign. A well respected conservative veteran, and former Secretary of State comes out and endorses the guy that people criticize for not having any foreign policy experience and crazy ideas on diplomacy. The General got it right. Very right.

Oh yeah, one more thing. The McCain camp's reaction? Well, that is great but we are still endorsed by over 300 retired generals and admirals + many other former Secretary of States. Alexander Haig is on that list! A man who didn't know the order of secession when President Regan was shot!

Here is the thing

Many of you might be wondering why I didn't comment on the VP debate on Thursday night. So, here is the thing. I am not sure I could add any additional commentary on what has already been said. I am not loosing my touch, I just don't want to belabor the point. All I will say is SNL did it right when Joe Biden said "I am better than that" pointing at Palin.

I couldn't have said it any better.

After watching the Sarah Palin be paraded in front of the media and the McCain campaign doing everything in their power to protect Mrs. Palin from any rogue questions, I am glad someone else has come out and say what I've been thinking!

The long of the short lists

I got a call from a friend of mine this afternoon and wanted to have a conversation about possible VP's. I was flattered someone thought of calling me and asking me for an opinion on what each ticket will look like, but then also horrified that I didn't have a more thoughtful answer of the possibilities. I am going to blame John McCain's Jedi mind tricks, which insured me that these are not the VP candidates I am looking for.

So while I am still in a bit of a VP daze at the moment, I decided to do some research and see what others have to say. I haven't heard or read anything yet that I totally agree with or believe that they have found the holy grail of vice presidential candidates; but here are some interesting thoughts:

Will Durst's suggestions are well thought out, especially his idea of countering the minority card, by listing several Republican party minority candidates. Personally, I wouldn't list George Clooney as "taking the woman thing out of play" maybe the hunk thing out of play- which wouldn't hurt McCain's chances.

On a more serious note, from a cohort blogher, this list is a little more concise and thoughtful. I like the safe bet of the young Republican governor from the Midwest, Tim Pawlenty. This would be the safe candidate that really wouldn't add too much drama for the Republicans, they have enough of that right now with Spitzer.

Lastly, a news article out of Reuters, focuses on McCain's age and like the above blog does pick some of the young Repub governors as possible running mates. Again, very thought provoking and does give some background on who is in and who is "ouft".

After reviewing these list and pontificating, Here is what I think. Taking into consideration this could all change dependent on what happens with the Dems in terms of Florida and Michigan and who the final nominee will be. But using today's knowledge, without looking into my crystal ball, here is my very short list.

1. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. A young Republican Governor that will do a very good job bringing out the vote in Florida, which may become a huge battleground state again. If the Democrats totally piss off the Democratic and Independent voters in that state, it will be an easier victory for the Republicans in Florida, since a lot of them probably won't show up in the general election. People are sick of election drama in Florida.

2. MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Like Governor Crist, with a lot to offer McCain in terms of delivering an important state to the red category.

3. Kay Bailey Hutchison: She has a reputation for not being particularly conservative on life and immigration issues, but she is more accomplished than Hillary (if she is the nominee) and could help McCain reach out to the women's vote.

The dark horse? Joe Lieberman. You can't have a discussion about VP's without adding Joe to the list. His age is bothersome, and while McCain is having problems winning many conservatives over, this wouldn't be a wise choice. But if you are looking for experience, and someone who would do a good job of wiping away any sort of Democratic momentum, Joe is the guy.

So there you go. To my friend and her aunt who called this morning to discuss, I am sorry for my delay in my response, I hope this helps. To those of you out there, who are wondering about my pontificating and if possibly I've drank the red Kool-Aid, there is nothing to worry about. When one of realpolitik baby's first 25 words is "O-bama" I don't think there is much to worry about. Not to mention, I would much rather think about the strategy Democrats can use against the Republican ticket, than listen to any more discussion about the Florida and Michigan primaries.