For a while I thought this was the first time I felt I didn't have to choose between two candidates I had grave reservations about, but that's no longer true. I would have been much happier with a moderate than Palin and the whole Wright thing has soured me immensely on Obama. Before then I liked a lot of what he had to say about change and bringing America together even if I thought his trumpeting prewar opposition to the Iraq war despite the fact almost everyone thought Saddam had wmd and he made no claim otherwise was total baloney use of 20/20 hind site. I was willing to overlook a climb to the top based on a false pretext because I felt he at least believed in what he said. The 20 years of contentment in a racist devisive church exposed the whole bring people together line as just a phoney political ploy much like George Bush's compassionate conservative and promises to bring the country together. There's no way I'm voting for Obama until he has some deeds to back up his rhetoric to wash away the stench of the Wright association. I'll hold my nose and vote for McCain because he does have a record of bucking his party for what he believes is right and bucking the polls despite the fact that I agree the wheels on the straight talk express have gone flat if not totally fallen off during this election.

Early on I liked all three major contenders despite expectations I'd never even consider voting for Hillary. I think McCain is most indicative that our process needs reform. He couldn't come close to winning being the kind of person America needs in many ways and had to resort to playing the standard game to get the nomination. Even McCain is severely flawed compared to our great leaders of the past.

I agree with much of the right that the upper middle class, and newly wealthy entrepreneaurs have earned their wealth. However I see far too much abuse of wealth derived power particularly in deregulation, failure to address obvious regulatory/development needs (housing mess, global warming, alternative energy) and CEO pay to feel that those at the very top are not abusing their power. I also see far too much laziness at the lower end and a preference for handouts versus earning their way. I feel we have a party for the rich/business and one for the poor, but not one for the hard working middle class.

Regards,
Mark