The Democratic Convention … So Far

I don’t know what some pundits/bloggers were watching, but I thought Hillary and Bill both did a bang up job endorsing Barack Obama. I am particularly impressed with how honorably the speakers are conducting themselves. They are not throwing mud or attacking the John McCain. The tone is very positive and I think that is the way politics should be conducted.

Now Joe Biden probably gave the strongest speech, but he talked first about the goodness of John McCain, and was complimentary of his service and his patronage to America. That is something they have all done. Biden did, however, speak frankly about the differences between the two candidates, which is perfectly acceptable.

It’s funny, because the high road is what John McCain always said he would take. That is what first impressed me about him, drew me to him, got me excited about a Republican candidate. I have always thought very highly of McCain. As this election has progressed he abandoned what I loved about him and backtracked on his greatest qualities. I am sorry to see that, because I think he will look back and regret that decision. I do think, deep down inside, he is still a good and honorable man. I think he’s just lost his way due to the pressure to win the election and appease his base. It has to be a hard balance. That’s why I say there is no such thing as a Christian politician, regardless of the side.

I hope the Democrats continue this positive trend, and talk positively about their formidable opponent, andsimply draw distinctions between the candidates’ position on issues and not on other things. Really, who cares how many houses a candidate owns. I do suppose that not knowing is an issue from the perspective of relating to the average joe, but all politicians are rich and have that problem anyway.

Right now, the top three issues for me are:

• The Economy
• The War
• Civil Rights (ethnic/racial, gender, disability, sexual orientation and religion)

I just don’t see how anyone could view the economy has strong. “I don’t believe we’re headed into a recession. I believe the fundamentals of this economy are strong, and I believe they will remain strong” (John McCain, GOP Debate, Myrtle Beach, FNC, 1/10/08). If he really thinks that, then maybe he really does not understand the plight of the middle class.

I am very excited about Barack’s speech tonight. The Democrats are hosting a watch party at the Clarion and we want to go badly. Unfortunately, 8 pm is dangerously close to the daughter’s bedtime. Besides we have a funeral tomorrow in Lebanon and we have to get up early. So it’s most likely that we will spend the evening facilitation our nighttime routine and watching the Obama speech in our jammies. It’s unfortunate because the hotel has wifi and we could blog.