Oh, how times have changed. It was just 22 months ago that the press had heralded her as the frontrunner for the Democratic Party's nomination for president. Victory was all but a foregone conclusion. First she would conquer the Democrats, then win the General Election and in the process make history by becoming the first female president. Remember her announcement when she declared she was running? She proudly proclaimed, “She's in it to win it.” Whats more, she meant every word.

But as the old saying goes, “Life is what happens while you are making plans.” The unthinkable happened, she lost the nomination. The reasons for her defeat are debatable; depending upon which camp you belong to. Whether it was a misrun campaign, political gaffes, an underestimation of the “Obama Phenomena” or a combination of all of the above, the fact remains she lost. She will not be the first female president in 2008. The dream may be dead for now. But don't feel sorry for her. Her star may shine a tad dimmer presently, but her future is bright and she has numerous options to choose from.

Now never let it be said that Hillary isn't a team player. As promised during her concession speech, she was seen with Obama on the campaign trail shaking hands, making the obligatory sweet talk and attempting to rally her supporters behind him. Regardless whether she thought Obama was as strong a candidate as she was (she didn't), the last thing she wanted to see was another Republican sworn in as president this fall. So she placed her pride aside and did the honorable thing, the team thing.

The speculation of Hillary being on the Democratic ticket is over. Before Biden's selection as Obama's running mate, there was compelling evidence suggesting her pairing with Obama would be an electoral smash hit. Here's why. Hillary's strength was with white women and middle class voters. Obama's strength was with African-Americans and young voters, theoretically their teaming would create a political dream team. However after their meeting at Senator Barbara Feinstein's home in June, though they both were cordial, it was evident the scars of the campaign were too much to overcome. But more importantly, even with Dick Cheney's revamping of the vice presidency, Hillary wasn't seriously interested in being anyone's number 2.

A much better fit for her would be a spot on Obama's cabinet, for example secretary of state. There she would yield considerable power, influence and be on the world stage. She'd be able to help shape US foreign policy on hot topics like expanding NATO and the Middle East. Better yet, she'd do a great job, so look out Condi!

How about Governor Clinton? Yes, the Governor of the great state of New York. An intriguing possibility to say the least. Following in the footsteps of Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, she could use the office as a launching pad for her next run at the presidency. Currently David Paterson holds the office, replacing the disgraced Eliot Spitzer. She could probably win the office if she ran, but she doesn't covet this office so Governor Paterson's job is probably safe.

Supreme Court Justice Clinton? Sound absurd? Well maybe, maybe not. Nominating one's political rival is not unheard of. In 1860 and 1864 Abraham Lincoln and Salmon Chase opposed each other in two bitterly contested races. After Lincoln's re-election in 1864, he nominated Chase for the Supreme Court. Dwight Eisenhower and Governor Earl Warren of California fought for the Republican nomination in 1952. After a pre-arranged deal, President Eisenhower nominated Warren to the bench in 1953. Could Obama nominate Hillary to the bench upon the next opening? Stranger things have happened.

How about a third party run for the presidency? Conventional wisdom says a third party candidate can't win the presidency, it's never been done and it can't be done. If you weren't aware of the following facts let me enlighten you. The words “never” and “can't” aren't a part of her vocabulary. What's more she has 18 million reasons to run which are considerably more than John Anderson, Ross Perot or Ralph Nader could lay claim to before Election Day. Remember again, Hillary's a team player. She thinks she'll have another shot at the brass ring. So she won't rock the boat. Now, if she were 10 years older, well…

There are a plethora of other possibilities. Television, ambassador, talk shows host, political commentary, news anchor, "Dancing With the Stars" (can you imagine Bill and Hillary doing the tango on national tv?) But my point is clear, she has a world of options.

When Hillary finally conceded the press delivered its usual dose of doom and gloom when alluding to her career. Things looked bleak, as if there were no tomorrow. However after the dust settled a strange thing happened. Hillary actually seemed to be, if not in an enviable position, definitely not in the dire political straits as reported. Seems, “The rumors of her demise were greatly exaggerated,” to borrow from Mark Twain.

Now for just one last thing. Don't ever forget, her dream, her goal, her aspiration is to become president. The first female president. The leader of the free world. She sees the possibility. Even more the country sees the possibility. And she came close. Very close. Ooh, so close. Though from time to time she may say she's not interested in another run for the presidency, don't ever believe her. It just wasn't meant to be... this time. So in the meantime look for her to do her duty and remain a senator. She'll bide her time, wait and see how things unfold over the next few years. Then she'll decide what her next move is. Translation? We have definitely not seen the last of Hillary Rodham Clinton. So don't shed any tears for her. I wonder if she can sing?

Where Did McCain Go Wrong?

Simple really, he didn’t pick a fight! He forgot where he came from. Obama is not the smooth talker the media makes him out to be. He can’t respond to a challenge without saying, “Now look”. McCain should have taken that away from him in the first debate. You want to screw someone up, just take away his or her verbal crutch. The man cannot say “I” e.g., I believe; I disagree. His retort is always abstract, never direct. Its like picking up a gamblers Tell, game over.

What Could McCain Have Done?

Pick a fight! The second time Obama said, “Now look” McCain should have jumped on him before he got another work out, “Now look at what Senator? There is nothing out there Senator. Nothing to look at! Just your empty promises and rhetoric. Stop telling the people to look at something that does not exist”.

Now it doesn’t mater what Obama comes back with or if the mediator asks him not to do that again, because Obama can’t use those words to start a sentence again. He will hesitate, weigh his words, and think too much. And if he should be so foolish - "There you go again" - Right Ronny!

When your turn comes again, don’t talk to the camera, go after him. This is not a podium at the school debate. You don’t have to play by school rules. Align him with his European heroes like France and Spain. “Senator, you would lead us down the path of the European Union. A system ripe with government corruption, waste and unemployment that is on the verge of collapse”. He either agrees or defends Europe. I wonder how he would make out with that?

Who Wins The Debate?

The guy who showed passion wins, of course. Do you remember what either candidate said in any of the three debates? You probably do not. Presidential debates rarely have substance anyway. They are just two guys parroting their practiced lines. Its just a, “my guy talks better than your guy”, thing.  You want to see a good debate – How about Bill Maher and Bill O’Reilly! You could sell tickets to that one. Come on, admit it, you’d love to see it! If you want a show, get a pro!

Ever since John Kennedy pulled Richard Nixon apart like a Thanksgiving Turkey in their famous debates we have insisted on a sequel (JFK was a pro). I don’t know about you but the rest have been disappointing.

Why Would McCain Win a Fight?

Because you don’t graduate from the Naval Academy, survive five years as a POW, be hungry, take a beating and not be able to win in a fight in the studio. I don’t know about you, but when the apocalypse comes I want a Fighter Pilot in my cave. You take the lawyer in yours. I've gotten drunk with a few of them and most have nothing to offer when the "Gloves are on the ice - Sarah knows what I mean!

I want someone who can stand alone in the darkness and not blink.

On the economical aspect of the Obama/Biden campaign, they plan to cut taxes for approximately 95% of workers and provide them with a$500 tax cut or $1,000 for couples that are working. Another convenient idea is that they plan to simplify taxes. In order to do this, Obama plans to terminate the need for senior citizens to file tax forms. They will also make it possible to file taxes in under 5 minutes without the help of an accountant. This plan will help people that have an income that is less than $250,000. Those that are over that income will not see an increase in tax rates though. I do admire McCain for planning to provide $5,000 for health insurance to every American family.

A major aspect of Obama campaign is the fact that the No Child Left Behind plan didn't work as affectively as it was supposed to. First off, Obama will fund the NCLB to get the proper materials to help every child. He also wants to change from having teacher's record progress rather than teaching strictly to pass tests. He also plans to reward teachers with a higher pay if their methods of teaching prove to be effective. For high school students entering college, Obama plans to simplify the FAFSA application process. Although McCain plans to do the same thing, he doesn't clearly state how he plans to do this. Obama will eliminate the current financial aid application and replace it with a method of simply checking a box on their tax information and income. He will also eliminate the need for separate applications.

In my opinion, the energy and environment issue should be the most addressed by both candidates. Obama and Biden plans to invest around $150 billion over the course of the next ten years to set up efforts to study and create cleaner sources of energy for the future. An interesting fact for people that are into vehicles is that by 2015, Obama plans to have 1 million plug in Hybrid cars on the road that get around 150 mpg. Within 10 years, Obama and Biden plan to terminate our need for Middle Eastern and Venezuelan oil within 10 years by increasing fuel economy standards and developing a $7,000 tax credit if you purchase advanced hybrid cars. He also will provide $1,000 for an emergency energy rebate to American families. They also would like to set up clean coal technology. McCain's plan to increase funding for off shore drilling and expanding oil exploration will do nothing to help the future of America. This idea seems selfish since it will only help for a short period of time. Also, increasing oil exploration won't help decrease harmful emissions in America. I cannot believe that McCain actually wants to construct 45 Nuclear power plants by 2030. Little do people know; nuclear waste is planned to be stored in Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Nuclear power plants can also be catastrophic potential terrorist targets. Obviously people in Nevada will not agree to have nuclear waste stored in their vicinity so where else would the waste go?

Barack plans to terminate American military in the Middle East in exactly 16 months with a series of brigade whereas McCain plans to keep our troops in Iraq in order to help fix their government. Barack plans to slowly take our troop out of Iraq. McCain wants to keep them in there and basically continue the work of George Bush which doesn't seem to be working right now. Obama plans to plot out 2 brigades every month which will get all of our troops out by 2010. The war issue doesn't seem as important right now due to the economy prices that the United States has been facing lately. In my opinion, the way that Obama was attacked for his statement that our troops are just killing innocent people wasn't that bad. There are many videos and evidence that our troops do partake in these actions. That is one example of how McCain bases his success on picking at Obama's statements.

On the immigration aspect of the campaign, Obama plans to secure borders to decrease the amount of undocumented aliens getting into the country. As a matter of fact, the amount of undocumented immigrants increased 40% since the year 2000. He also plans to do something that will benefit illegal immigrants that prove to be useful to America. Obama and Biden plan to set up a system that enables these illegal immigrants to get a chance to become citizens if they pay a fine, learn English, and are able to carry on a stable lift. McCain doesn't seem to care about any other nation but the United States. He plans to only secure the border and put money into keeping all illegal immigrants out. Not saying that it is okay to let illegal immigrants in but if they prove to be doing well in the United States, they should be given a second chance under certain circumstances. McCain plans to create an electronic employment machine that will keep better records of workers. He also plans to immediately prosecute illegal workers.

For technology, Barack plans to increase internet accessibility. He also wants to protect children from inappropriate media without violating the First Amendment. He and Biden also plan to increase and exercise our privacy rights. What this means is that our personal information will be protected from being circulated through the media without our consent. Both Obama and McCain offer increase in weapon technology which can be the difference between winning or losing a war. Obama understands that America is falling behind in the age of technology and plans to modernize our technology such as the use of Wifi being more accessible.

Overall, Obama is fit to be president unlike John McCain. One of the main reasons why I am against McCain is because if he becomes president and he dies, Palin will take charge. Palin doesn't seem to have any knowledge of world issues and wouldn't make a good president. On the other hand, if Barack Obama dies, Joe Biden is more than able to run the United States. You can tell that he has a vast knowledge of specific details such as our foreign policies. Palin seems to only know indistinct problems and has a hard time getting in depth.

BarackObamaforPresident2008!

Senator McCain, who needed to sparkle up his image, was solid in his debate performance, but did little to make up his current poll deficit.  Senator Obama finished the debate season steamrolling and appears ready for the last three weeks of the campaign before Election Day on November 4.

In my debate primer found here I stressed the need for John McCain, the long-time senator from Arizona,  to show us his heart and Barack Obama, the first term senator from Illinois, to speak with candor.  On this point, Mr. Obama clearly used his eloquence to his advantage while Mr. McCain lacked a bit in his ability to emote, both performances consistent with previous debates.  What does this mean for voters?  What you see is what you get.

I have created a debate matrix to rate each candidate.  Who won the debate in these key categories?

In showing heart:  Obama

In speaking with candor:  Obama

In reasonable explanations:  Obama

In generating surprises:  McCain

In giving details:  even

In dialogue effectiveness:  even

Obama's advantages were slight while McCain's one triumph was huge.  He generated multiple surprises that spiced up the stage.

"I am not President Bush."

"Why would you raise taxes on anyone?"

"Senator Obama, your argument is not very convincing."

"I'm surprised you didn't pay more attention to this example, Senator Obama."

There were half a dozen other direct strikes by Mr. McCain that were quite interesting.  However, Mr. Obama remained cool, calm, and collected.

If You are a Democrat

You feel that Senator Obama won all three debates and is in a good position heading towards the homestretch.  Obama didn't stumble and was compact in giving policy details.  His charismatic persona seals the deal.  Can Obama even mess this up with such an enormous lead?

If You are Republican

You feel pretty good about this debate especially Senator McCain's surprise elements, key aspects of his policy, and his ability to raise legitimate concerns in the perception of his opponent.  However, he hit singles and doubles when he needed home runs.  You are nervous and left wondering how you will be able to endure a Democratic president.  What more can McCain do?

If You are Independent or Undecided

You are still wondering whether or not you can trust Obama.  You like his composure but aren't sure about his associations with Ayers and ACORN.  You will wade through additional news on these predicaments and see if your gut tells you to vote for Obama.  You like McCain's toughness and honor and he feels much more dependable.  You just aren't sure about his age and Governor Palin's credentials to be president.  You trust him but wonder whether he can really win this election.

Additional Highlights

There was good dialogue on several issues.  Bob Schieffer, though he set as an expectation to require each candidate to answer each question, didn't hold them to the fire.  Nevertheless, the levels of exchange among the candidates were higher than in previous debates and viewers were able to make personal judgments based on these interactions.

Joe the Plumber was a huge topic of discussion.  Senator McCain used Joe as a middle class example in policy issues such as taxes and health care.  If you don't know Joe, watch his interaction with Senator Obama a few days ago in Ohio.

My Advice as We Approach November 4

1. Stay tuned for anything new out of Senator McCain.
2. Watch Senator Obama pour it on.
3. Be sure to vote.

Thanks for reading my 2008 election debate news!  It has been a joy to watch and report on the battle for the next president of the United States.

For eight years President Clinton squandered the national finical gains created and developed by actions and policies by and during the Regan Presidency. For eight years President Clinton simultaneously promoted and participated in developing the sink whole and dead fall pit Freddy Mac and Fanny May finally fell into. I can't say for certain President Clinton new during his presidency, the democrat's abuses at Freddy Mac and Fanny May would cause their collapses. I think he most likely orchestrated and surly participated in the abuses that were utilized by democrats to secure their political careers and the democrat house majority of our current do nothing congress.

I think it unlikely President Clinton and other democrats had the foresight to recognize their inactions and abuses would conclude in the domino effect on our finical markets. I can't guarantee President Clinton didn't realize, he had left ticking, the resulting numerous national crises, the Bush Administration has for eight years and is currently, prudently been dealing with. In my preceding statement, my primary intent is to insure we don't forget the first and second subsurface bombings of the world trade center, the attack on our marines in their barracks in Egypt, the bombing of the Cole in Yemen, and the attacks of 9-11. I also hope to jog memories of the many other atrocities against our solders, our country, our citizens and our nation's leaders around the world as well as those conducted on American soil. We can not forget our enemies are constantly trying to attack us conventionally by any and all means. They hope to attack us finically and or electronically. They hope to attack us with negative comments, propaganda, disinformation, inaccurate information, misinformation, oil, food, water, sex, child labor or other cheep labor, when ever and where ever possible. Our enemies are abundant and diverse; they are religious, agnostic, desperate and fanatic.

Our enemies are also well disbursed, determined and often embedded. I say this because we should remember despite the best efforts of democrats and our biased left wing media, and their relentless attacks and negative commentaries; President Bush has made tough decisions and followed ever tough decision up with actions to see his decisions through to success. Remember for all the attacks on President Bush, he has made and continues to make concerted and successful efforts to help our neighbors devastated by hurricanes all along our southern cost and where affected all the way to Ohio and our northern border with Canada. Now with our military practically fully engaged in the war on terror and despite promoting discovery and punishment for white collar crimes in our finical markets, and despite promoting many conventional efforts to encourage sound practices by finical lenders. President Bush has been bushwhacked again and dutiful obligated to and is taking serious actions to protect Americans. President Bush has taken swift action to protect Americans from the devastation created by our congresses deliberate irresponsible conduct, typical Wall Street greed, and corrupt lenders.

Financial institutions clearly encouraged to take greater risk by democrat policies intended to lift up a large population teetering on our poor and middle class financial designation. I think most Americans were aware of the efforts initiated by democrats to lift up and provide otherwise unattainable opportunities for a fully entitled progressive population. I think Americans with even minimal experience dealing with lenders and other finical institutions spotted the razorblade in the apple being offered by banks and other predatory lenders in the form of fluctuating interest rates, sub-prime mortgages and a virtual cornucopia of toxic finical instruments. Now here is where I start praying again. I sincerely pray those scandalous predatory lenders offering those toxic finical instruments were acting with out the knowledge and or consent of any political representative promoting the seemingly benevolent, attempt to provide a large American population a little insensitive. Financial opportunities easily interpreted as a compassionate enabling national hand up during our transition from the Iron ages into a more enlightened twenty first century future. A grand generous national effort spoiled and postponed indefinitely by corruption, greed, selfishness, recklessness, and ignorance.

An outcome made even more regrettable for me by my perception of congressional democrats initiating a worthy national initiative to finically enable a large struggling national population and my conviction their political actions loosened up lending risk creating lethal financial lending opportunities exploited by corrupt predatory lenders whose conduct exposed democrat representatives looting Freddy Mac and Fanny May and in turn caused the contagious implosion of our finical markets.

Poor Joe Biden, no one really cares what he has to say. He was hoping to help Obama in the campaign, now he cannot even get an interview. I hope they at least spelled his name correctly on the campaign posters. I am sure I saw one that read Obama/Bidon.

I feel sorry for the Democrat who has to take on Sarah Palin in a debate? Oops, that would be Joe Biden…would it not? I am sure he is qualified to do it. He has been around for many years and I am certain he has faced tougher opponents than the Barracuda. Actually I am not sure of it; I am just trying to be polite.

Right now the Presidential campaign has three players, Palin, Obama and McCain and that is their order of importance to the campaign. Joe Biden could take a vacation and no one would miss him. He could actually go back to Washington D.C., and do for the Senate exactly what he is doing for the Obama campaign… nothing. He has been doing that along with every other member of congress for over thirty years so we know it is a task he can handle.

Joe Biden could take John McCain back to Washington D.C. with him and neither of them would be missed on the campaign trail. In fact, we could consolidate the secret service protection duties for both of them since they will be in the same place and save a little money. Perhaps I am being a bit too frugal on that issue…just trying to be helpful.

The fight is going to be won or lost between Obama and Palin. I suppose Biden and McCain can be corner men for the two fighters as they battle through this multi-round championship bought. I doubt either one could do anything in congress before the elections anyway. They never did anything in previous years… why start now?

McCain will be remembered as a war hero, so he is covered. Surely there is something we can say about Joe Biden. Work with me here…I am thinking. Nothing comes to mind. He has over thirty years in the Senate and I cannot think of anything to say about Joe Biden. Everyone else who has been around for any length of time has made some kind of name for themselves.

Senator Byrd made a name for himself as the Senator with the most pork barrel projects for his state. Senator Kennedy made a name for himself by driving a young woman off a bridge, into the water and letting her drown. Senator Craig made a name for himself by hitting on another man it an airport restroom. Senator Ryan made a name for himself by taking bribes from someone in Alaska. Was it Alaskan money? Is Alaskan money really United States currency? If not does that count as a bribe in the United States… oh, Alaska is a state, I forgot.

Joe Biden has done nothing to speak of or there would be a scandal surrounding him. The man has no scandal. He has wasted over thirty years in congress. Joe actually seems to be a devoted family man. We cannot even write about him with righteous indignation like we can about former Senator John Edwards. Perhaps Biden is squeaky clean, which means he is dull and boring and that is why no one wants to hear from him.

I am not interested in hearing anything he has to say. Can he possibly have anything interesting to say about anything pertaining to my life? If he does, why did he not say it in the over thirty years he went to sit in the Senate while it was in session? I refuse to say he went to work in the Senate. No one works in the Senate.

He will one day retire, or finally get caught in his career ending scandal like all the rest who come to think of themselves as invincible. If he retires it will be as a footnote at the end of a congressional session. If a scandal does get him and it is large enough, he will resign, write a book and make millions…well, millions more than he has already made from bribes as a politician. He would make “above the table” millions from a book deal.

For a brief time he can enjoy the secret service protection, even though it is a waste of allocated resources in his case. He can gaze at his name on campaign posters and enjoy the small groups of people that do recognize him, mostly because of the secret service protection around him. He can even sign a few autographs. Of course it needs to be on a campaign poster for the Obama/Biden campaign. Otherwise his autograph may find its way to the trash when someone does not recognize it a day or two after he signs it.

Like me, he has to tell himself it is alright to miss his fifteen minutes of fame. Some people do get passed over for that quarter of an hour in the limelight. I sometimes wonder if someone else got my fame time. If I knew for sure that they did I could stop waiting for it. What would you recommend that I do Joe…I am sorry, what was the last name? Oh yes, Biden.

This last week has been an exciting time in American history. Thursday, August 28, 2008 not only was it the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's “I Have a Dream” speech, but it was the day the first black man in America accepted the nominee of a leading political party. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois was nominated as a candidate for the Presidency of the United States. In 1968 Senator Robert F. Kennedy said it would take 40 years for a Negro to elected president. However, this man of meager beginning rose up to his current status because of the American Dream. His parents and his mother's parent believed whole heartedly in that dream. Senator Obama in his speech profoundly let America know that he was, in fact one of us who have always felt and known if you work hard and achieve your goals you will be successful. In the pass 8 years the American Dream has been dashed to pieces by the obliteration of the middle class. Senator Obama in his speech let America know that he feels our pain when buy gas, groceries and when we can't afford to pay our mortgage anymore.

Bush's Blind Eye

For too long the Bush Administration has turned a blind eye to American's pangs of distress. Alas not only someone who feels our pain but someone who has an actual plan to do something about it. The Bush Administration leaves America in such bad shape will Obama-Bidden is able to make their plans work? Will they be able to put to bed the mortgage crisis? The economy overall can they fix it? What about the energy crisis? America is so behind in finding renewable energy sources and making our vehicles more

emission friendly and can they break our dependence on foreign oil? The healthcare system in this country is in bad shape too. No money no care. What about the men and women who have faithfully served their country? They come home to find that there are little to no benefits for them or their families. Many of our veterans live on the streets of America. Americans today live in a sad state of affairs. However, Obama-Bidden offers Americans a plan with vision.

Obama-Bidden Vision

Obama-Bidden vision revives the American Dream. The American Dream is a dream that both Obama and Bidden have live their lives by and want for their families as well for all American families. Both candidates have told stories of how their mothers encourage them to work hard to have a plan and within the plan emerged the vision of what they wanted to accomplish. Work hard be successful, and make a good name for yourself. That is the American Dream. Obama in his speech layout his plan to revive the American Dream through education and tax cut for Middle America. Affordable health insurance for all is this not the American Dream that we remember?

God bless America! One of the first moments of political thoughts came when I was only

So, Alaska to me is one of those foreign countries I have never visited, but others say that it is a beautiful place. I do seem to recall that they have a bridge to nowhere there and apparently a lot of oil someplace where no one ever goes, but we cannot have that oil. Oh, and I remember that a group of people went to Alaska to live with the bears and the bears ate them. Everyone was surprised? Not me, isn't that what bears do? I probably should not write the Alaska state travel brochure, but if you want to discuss Hawaii, I am your guy!

Let's get back to Senator Ted Stevens. I read today that he pled not guilty to federal charges against him; something to do with “gifts” he should not have taken from a company named VETO. The name alone should make you want to take your business elsewhere. The good Senator did what all good Senators do under the circumstances; he denied every wrong doing alleged in the indictment against him.

If you expected him to do otherwise, raise your hand. If your hand is in the air I have an investment opportunity for you; just send me a blank check and I'll fill you in on the details of the investment sometime in the future. Work with me here, we will make great business partners!

The Senator's statement was that he never knowingly did anything wrong. That is definitely worded for wiggle room at some later date. That key word “knowingly” may resurface at some time in the future, perhaps during plea negotiations. However, I do seem to recall that ignorance of the law is not a valid defense. I learned that watching “Law and Order”.

I know this is off the subject a bit, but did Senator Stevens have something to do with that bridge to nowhere? Even though is has no bearing on whether or not he is culpable in the crime for which he plead not guilty, it is evidence that he is not very bright. I think that rubbing noses thing they do up there destroys brain cells. Of course he is 84 years young and he has been rubbing noses for a lot of years, which could be a factor.

Someone should do a study. Could that actually be used in his defense? How much money is needed for the study? Will congress fund such a study? Surely it cannot be as costly as that bridge to nowhere. This has potential and it has me thinking like a politician; without logic… actually the appropriate word is stupidly.

I'm not as old as Senator Stevens and my mind is not what it used to be. I tend to forget things a bit in my “not that old” age, so I am going to cut the Senator some slack on that bridge thing, since there was no allegation of a bribe in the deal. As yet, nothing criminal is alleged in that bridge debacle; he may have just gone off his meds, or maybe that nose rubbing factor kicked in. Whatever it was, Senator Stevens was not thinking clearly. Deborah and I have not taken up the nose rubbing tradition and I am not on meds........... yet, but I do not always think clearly, so I can relate.

Back to that “knowingly” word. It does concern me when the best defense one has is to say he really did not know he was doing anything wrong. Apparently the good Senator got around $250,000 worth of questionable “gifts” in the alleged crime that he does not know he committed, if he committed it.

It is important to remember here that this man is a long term member of congress. He makes laws and spends our hard earned tax dollars. Even if I give this him the benefit of doubt on that “knowingly” part of his denial, I do not want him to remain in the Senate. Whether he knew it was wrong, or not, if he did it he is at least guilty of being extremely “unsmart”. I cannot get around that fact, so please take this man out of the law making and tax dollar spending business. Maybe he just spent too many nights in a cold igloo and he has permanent brain freeze. I'm searching for an answer here.

All of the aforementioned said, he is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and I expect this case will never see the inside of a courtroom, for trial. The man is 84 years young and he has served in the Senate for decades. There is no way he will be dragged through the court system, found guilty and sentenced to prison time. There is an unwritten law that protects congresspersons from prison time unless you do something to the wrong person in government. Senator Stevens did not cross the wrong person, but it does appear he got caught looking for loose change in the wrong pockets.

I should try to ignore for a day or two all the childish games being played by the politicians. It is just that those childish games affect my daily life in a very negative way. I truly hope I am wrong but did I see on the news last night that congress is taking another break at the end of this week? Are they taking another break without resolving the issues that affect all of us? Someone please tell me I heard wrong and our congress is not going to take another break while we suffer. This is one of those times when I am happy to have someone point out a senior moment on my part. Go ahead and tell me that congress is not taking a break right now… someone… please?

Barack Obama and John McCain, two members of that congress who want to be President, sure seem to be silent with respect to solutions for America's issues. However, John McCain's campaign has released a video that likens Barack Obama to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Be honest, I bet you never thought you would see those four names in the same sentence. Oh, and Barack Obama's campaign answered the McCain campaign's immature video with one of its own, just as immature. Some things should not be dignified with a response. The McCain campaign's video was one of those things.

Trust me the Obama campaign breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the McCain campaign video. It gave them the opportunity to avoid addressing real issues. The two campaigns wasted time and money on video advertisements that do not address one issue affecting American's lives. Political advertisements that include Britney Spears and Paris Hilton cannot possible solve anything relevant to my life. I wish it were that easy.

I think it is time to put both Senators back to work in Washington D.C., or send them both home to look for gainful employment. Do we really need anyone in congress who has time to travel the world or produce childish videos that address nothing relevant?

How much time have those two actually spent in their Washington offices this year? How many votes have they missed? Why should we, the voters who will make one of them the President, believe either one of them is qualified for the Oval Office? What have they accomplished that qualifies them for the government housing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?

Work with me here; imagine that I am in a position to resolve an issue, but I have done address it. However, I want you to give me new job, with more pay, a nicer house in which to live and a really nice 747 in which to fly around. If you do that I will start resolving the issues I cannot seem to address now. Please, forget my track record.

I should point out here that my current employer expects me to actually come to work and do my job in a timely manner, with a reasonable degree of accuracy. He is so narrow-minded about that! In exchange for me actually doing my job he allows me to keep that job. If I stop doing my job, my employer is not going to consider me for a promotion, but he will make my talents available to the marketplace. Yes, the aforementioned narrow minded man will terminate my employment; go figure!

Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain have not been on the job much this year and neither can say they have done the job we pay them to do, yet they are they are campaigning to be promoted into a job that will be vacant the first of next year. I do not have a warm fuzzy feeling about promoting either one of them at this time. In fact I think it is time to make their respective talents available to the marketplace. We need to replace them, along with some of their colleagues. We should not promote either of them.

That means the vacancy in that funny shaped office down the street from the nation's Capitol Building may not be filled right away. You know what; that is okay with me. Is it time to actually give that job to someone who has performed well in another job? Should we perhaps look for someone who can point to past accomplishments and present a detailed action plan for today? We need the action today. John, Barack, Britney and Paris together in a video, is not magic for me. Let's have a competition for White House job, not a campaign. Let's make someone earn the title of President. What a concept!