I was hoping Hillary would edge him out and loose to Mccain making Obama a sure bet in 2012. If we weren't out of Iraq by then I'd be for an unconditional immediate pull out and felt a Hilllary loss would make Obama the go to guy in 2012. If Hillary won this year, I felt she was less likely to pull troops out prematurely. Thinking past the war issue, I felt long term past 2012 the country needed a uniting and inspirational leader and someone who would pull this country back to the center. I also felt a uniting black president would do much to heal the racial divide in this country and inspire many blacks to break through the mental barrier that white prejudice is the primary force holding them back.

I no longer believe Obama is that man due to the Wright issue and the response of his church to the guest preacher. It's pretty clear he was part of a "the white man is the devil culture" for many years. You can't tolerate that atmosphere and be truly for a color blind one for all society. He may have thought it was baloney and just attended because that's where most of his supporters went. In that case he's just more of the same ole same ole when it comes to doing whatever it takes to get elected. Obama now has a lot to prove over the coming years before I'll consider voting for him again. McCain has a proven record of bucking his party for principle. Any waffling he's done pales in comparison between the polar opposaites of Obama's campaign message and what he tolerated from Wright for decades. Despite the belittling of the risk of loosing Hillary's supporters by CNN (it's only 25%), the Democrats can't afford to loose 5% in what could be another very close election due to the Wright issue.

The economy has not been in recession and may even be looking up by November. The Democrats aren't looking real strong compaigning on an issues of honesty and fear mongering when they claim we're in a recession and we're not, or when they claim we're not making progress in Iraq, when we are. Hillary and Bill used to be honest that they also believed Saddam had wmd as did most of the American people and Congress before Bush even took office. Overselling a story to promote what you believe is the right course pales in comparison to flat out lying about what is going on for selfish political gain.

I'm all for a change from Bush's economic and environmental policies, I'm just not for lying to do it. I'm also for pushing the Iraqi's to take over their own security, but for the first time I think it is clear they are actually doing that. The Democrats need to honestly admit that and adjust their plans rather than blather on down the same path ignorant of changing trends like the Bush adminsitraion did for so long.

Regards,
Mark