Top Reasons to Vote for Obama/McCain

Last night I received a call from my mother, who was confused and highly disillusioned with this year’s election. Knowing my background in politics, she asked that I clarify some of the rumors she had been hearing and help her to understand the candidate’s positions. So, I'm dedicating the next few posts to that subject and as always trying to offer both sides.
There is one thing I want to clarify before starting. This year’s presidential campaign has been different than any others in history because of the amount of FEAR incited by the candidates against their opponents. John McCain has claimed that terrorists would be “dancing in the streets” if Obama was elected. Conversely Obama supporters make accusations like John McCain will bankrupt middle class Americans. (I will post again about rumors later...) These types of catch phrases are confusing and misleading at best. One of these men will be elected as the next president of the United States. When that day comes the other half of the population that didn’t elect that individual shouldn’t have to be afraid of their new president. The hatred and fear these campaigns have sparked must be put to bed. When you hear things like this consider the source and keep things in perspective.
Don't forget America has this incredible system of checks & balances. No matter which party comes out on top, there is only so much the president has control over and there is a limited amount of change that can happen over a 2 or 4 year period. Think back over the last eight years and ask yourself if anything has radically changed over that time? There are balances and counter balances at every turn in the American system. Eventually justice prevails, the American people are heard and the government continues to refine it's policies.
If you noticed, both campaigns are using the same slogan this year “CHANGE.” What type of change is the question? American's have recognized that change is needed and we need to start working together to find solutions to those problems. Regardless of who is elected those changes will be slow, they will be "balanced" over time and we as the American people will push on in our lives as we always have in the past.
Just remember that neither of these men would have been able to get this position if they were not intelligent and capable men who are willing to dedicate their lives to the betterment of America and the American people. With that in mind, my next post will be a run down of the political issues involved and each candidate’s views on them. I want to find the middle ground and discuss what the next president can/will change. In the meantime I offer the following good qualities/qualifications of each candidate. (Some of these qualities can be interchanged among candidates.) Please feel free to add to these in the comments.

Obama:
1. Strong Leadership & Character
2. Economic & Social Policy Experience
3. Served on the Senate Committees for Foreign Relations/ Health, Education, Labor & Pensions/ Homeland Security & Government Affairs/ & Veterans Affairs.
4. Sound Economic Policy for Middle Class America
5. Defense Lawyer for underprivileged citizens
6. Sticks to the truth & known facts, has not served long enough to be indoctrinated into defeatist party politics
7. Grew-up in the middle class & understands the daily battles of 90% of American’s

McCain:
1. Strong Will & Determination
2. Foreign Policy & Military Experience
3. Served on the Senate Committees for Armed Services/ Commerce, Science & Transportation
4. Sound Economic Policy for Businesses & Corporate America
5. Responsive to the American People & their opinions
6. Has served in both the House & Senate, knows how to work within each congressional body
7. Grew-up serving the American military & fighting for America, understands veterans needs & the aging population

For further reading check out: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/