Trick or Treat?

Well, the polls are certainly confusing these days...yesterday CNN and Fox reported a "tightening". Today's NY Times/CBS Poll says it isn't really that tight at all.

An AP Poll out today says 1 in 7 people still have not decided.

The confusion may be that people are torn, genuinely torn.

Yesterday I met a mom who told me she loved Obama and thought he was going to be our next president. She then leaned in very close and practically whispered, "but I don't think I can vote for him. The tax thing, you know. My husband works very hard, very hard. (read: over 250K hard)...we just don't want to see that money go."

Okay, fair enough. What can I say to that? I was satisfied that she seemed genuinely torn for what it was worth.

I think those undecideds may be worried for the same reasons. And that is why I don't think the polls can tell us all we wish they could at this point. There is just too much at stake. We're witnessing history here folks. As in record numbers of people gettin' up off their duffs and voting. Some for the first time in their lives. So, as much as I hate to admit it, we'll just have to wait and see.

The polls I'm reading still have Obama up by 6.2. But what do I know?

The BIGGEST STORY OF THE DAY IN MY MIND: John McCain is only 5 points ahead in Arizona! He is doing robo calls in his home state and Obama is advertising there.

Unless I mistakenly read that on The Onion, I'm calling that one scarier than my son's zombie costume. The polls are close, but it seems Mr. McCain better muster the energy to rise from the dead in his own home state. Yikes.

Trick or Treat indeed! Oh, and Happy Candy Hunting!

p.s.

I want to go on record as saying that if I'm wrong about Sarah Palin, and she does turn out to be the darling of the GOP...in 2008 or 2012.

I will eat my hat. Or some other such crow-eating device.

Let's just say I'll be surprised...very, very, very surprised.

If For No Other Reason

This video might just give you goosebumps.

To think this man in his 80's will live to vote for and possibly see the first Black president of these United States is powerful beyond measure.

To doubt that we are in the midst of a major cultural shift in this country is to have your eyes closed whist being locked in a closet far, far away.

I don't know about you, but to my progressive mind, this is what progress looks and sounds like.

Vote Hope.

My Own Prescience

I was in the Denver Airport on August 29th when I began to learn a bit more about McCain's v.p. pick. The first thing that made me pause: the fact that she had a 4 month old child. Never mind that he was a child with special needs...just that he was her 5th and he was only an infant. Didn't seem right to my mommy brain.

As I trolled around the Internet, I just didn't like what I was reading.

48 hours after I first heard her name...I sat in a group of die-hard Republicans and said, "I'm sorry guys, but I honestly think McCain will be sorry for this choice. He will look back to regret her".

I could have easily chalked up my own Palin dis-ease to Democratitis. Was I jealous of this young, pretty mavericky maverick? Did I think she would hurt Obama's chances? That is what my GOP friends were accusing.

Nope, that wasn't it. There was much more at play and it seems that a mere two months later, I was right. She is being called a Diva and a Wack-job by members of the McCain staff.

There are rumors flying all over the place that she is really just making a play for her own game on in 2012. There is even a syndrome called The Palin Effect which highlights all of the conservatives who have ditched their party stating her as the reason. Not to mention the way in which her faith intersects her call to public life.

But never mind the TONS of material I could post against her. That would be way too eeeeezzzzy.

Politics, it seems boils down to intuition.

I'm sorry I can't be more scientific than that. It was an initial sense that made me sit up and really listen to Barack Obama four years ago, and volunteer for his campaign two years ago.

It was a hunch that gave me the nagging feeling that Sarah wasn't all she was cracked up to be.

It is just a feeling that Bobby Jindal will be the one to look out for in 2012...while Sarah is trying to stay warm in Alaska picking up the pieces of her broken career, and the toys strewn about by toddler Trig.


and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 1Kings 19:12

The Crystal Ball

Back in Denver, I noted the words of Illinois Senator, Dick Durbin as he advised Obama on a 2008 presidential run. Durbin said:

"there are times in life when you look for the right moment to make your move...but sometimes the moment picks you. Now is your moment, and even if you lose, you can't lose."

Two years ago TODAY, October 27 2006, Charles Krauthammer of the (conservative) National Review Online made his own crystal ball prediction. It is almost eery to read two years later. It is worth noting that even back then, conservatives wonks saw the potential of Obama's candidacy.

We shall see in 8 or maybe 9 days just how the predictions pan out. By their standards, Obama has already WON, and achieved more than they initially imagined.

Amidst the vile that we have seen, it is a true blessing that there have always been people with hope and clear vision for a brighter more positive future for this country.

As Proverbs reminds us: Where there is no vision, the people perish (29:18)

...With insight, the people flourish.

I've Been There

Well, some McCain campaign aides are miffed because they just found out some pretty crazy news.

Sarah Palin's make up artist makes more than they do! Over 8 grand in just September alone!

I certainly know how they feel. I still remember the Fairfield County wedding I officiated for two lovely young kids. The hired make up artist milled around for hours primping everyone including me...she was told to liven me up since I would be in the "video". That was fun, I'll admit.

But...I nearly choked on my canape when I discovered that although I had counseled the couple for hours, spent twice as much time designing their personalized wedding ceremony, drove to the location twice for the rehearsal and the wedding, and made the whole thing OFFICIAL by signing and mailing in the documents...the make up artist made 5 times more than I did on said wedding.

For the love of God!

No, really.

Maybe I missed my calling...Bobbi, we need to talk!

Les MisBarack Revisited

As we get closer to November 4th I have been thinking about the brilliance of THIS VIDEO

You might want to pass it along to your friends and foes even...inspiration and a good laugh for the ten days ahead!

Yes We Can.

Nervous But Hopeful in PA

This quick note from my cousin in Pennsylvania. Thanks, Cuz...hope you don't mind the direct quote!

Nervous but hopeful in PA. Made 65 calls at phone bank on Tuesday night. Seventeen people answered and 14 were definitely voting for Barack plus all other voters in their houses. Three were undecided. Get this. I asked the positive ones if they were interested in volunteering for the campaign and most told me they and spouse were "working two jobs" and had no free time.

What does that tell ya....time for change.

Suffer The Little Children

During the final Presidential Debate, many cringed as John McCain said repeatedly that his campaign understood the needs of special children "because of Sarah Palin". He repeatedly used the term Autism. The cringe factor, (due to ageism, no doubt), was the feeling that he was misspeaking. That he meant to say Down Syndrome as it related to the Palin's 5th child.

Crisis averted: turns out Sarah Palin's sister has a son with Autism.

And...this will all be cleared up TODAY because Palin is scheduled to give a "major policy speech" on the issue of government assistance in the lives of special needs children. This will become a "national priority".

I will refrain from any possible cynicism at this point. None from this desk. Nope, won't even go there. Whatever you're thinking...I'm not thinking that.

"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these". Matthew 19:14

President Barack Obama

Okay, this clip from yesterday helped me get in the mood again.

This is the vision, courage, the nerve in addition to the inspiration our depressed nation needs...NOW! Right now.

What a stark contrast to the nasty crap we've been hearing elsewhere in "real, small towns all over this nation."

sniff, sniff...I've got hope all over again.

On Not Counting Your Chickens Before They're Hatched

I have been surprised in the past several days to have the notion of a President Obama be touted as a foregone conclusion. Not that I'm complaining...

It surprised me to hear it coming from staunch republicans who will no sooner vote for Obama than they would, um...cut off an arm? I read this in the newspaper, have heard it at book club, in the playground, on the mainstream radio news.

The only one who is trying to psych me out is one of my husband's colleagues who claims he knows real America, and "real Americans won't vote for the Black Guy" (which is why he already cast his ballot for Palin-McCain...in that order).

Psych-me-out-guy notwithstanding, I just read a long, but very interesting article about why the whole President Obama notion may be catching on.

This article from Time Magazine is well worth some time. It describes in close detail just how Obama has developed his presidential mindset over the last 20 months or so. Of note, it describes a meeting he had with General Petraeus last summer during which time he took a decidedly Commander-in-Chief stance.

It is worth reading and certainly passing along especially for those who may still be on the fence. Surely, there are still a few out there...

The Economy Gets Us All

Well, there is some good news regarding the downturn in the economy...it may be the case that McCain will not have money to launch any last minute attacks against Obama.

The hope was that some Richy McRichster would step forward to fund such an ad campaign. BUT...money is tight and most of those Richies are not lovin' McCain right now anyway.

Maybe McCain's camp should have thought of that before letting Sarah do all that shloppin' at Neimans. Oy.

I don't know, but if The White House/Black House and Target are good enough for Michelle, they're good enough for me.

But I digress...

I will take my good news any way I can get it. If austerity means that Karl Rove has to tighten his purse strings like the rest of us...so be it!

Baseball Politics

I have been reading a bit about how crucial Pennsylvania will be in this election. It is touted to be the Ohio and Florida of 2008.

The McCain Campaign is said to be relying on that to take them over the top. The only problem is that Real Clear Politics has PA in the SOLID DEM category with Obama up over 11 points. So what gives? Can McCain possibly play catch up in the next two weeks?

The Campaign mentioned that they were going to save the best stuff they had for the last ten days. AND...conventional wisdom has it that the election is not really decided until after the World Series is over.

Is it ironic or possibly parabolic that this year's series BEGINS TODAY and will feature The Philadelphia Phillies and The Tampa Bay Rays? I don't even like baseball all that much, but I find that rather...interesting.

If Philly loses will Pennsylvanians be too depressed to vote? Will Floridians mourn by voting Republican and throwing the election?

Okay, maybe I am over-thinking this.

We'll know no later than October 30th, when I'm told the country fresh off "The Series" will be emotionally available to think about this election...finally.

We Cannot Become Complacent

For what it is worth...for whoever is out there reading this blog...please read

THIS

With two weeks left to this campaign McCain has already promised to bring out the really disgusting stuff. The robocalls, the talks of socialism...the sheer reminder for those who care: Obama is a black man who does not have YOUR interest at heart.

Think it is all hype?

I don't. I sat around a table tonight in Northern, New Jersey with folks who assured me that Michelle, my Michelle, actually despises white people and that she taught Barack to do the same. This isn't West Virginia people. I don't live in rural Ohio or PA...here I am a mere 24 miles from mid-town Manhattan. This is East Coast Elite Country.

I don't want to be alarmist, but I think we can all something: make phone calls via Obama's web site, talk to people around the table (as I did...argh).

Know Hope...Actively!

Unity in Diversity

Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama today on national television. What stood out for me was his "so what if Obama is a Muslim" statement. FINALLY...someone publicly states the obvious.

This video is a brief interview where Powell goes further to state the importance of the Unity in Diversity that is the cornerstone of our country. This, I fear, is a sensibility we are losing. Without it, no president will be able to govern...certainly not a President Obama should that become the reality.

Lately, I have become quite nostalgic about the liberal religious upbringing I enjoyed. As a young adult, rebellion came in my search for the traditional, the more orthodox. But as a parent I am now realizing just how fortunate my brothers and I were.

Difference and otherness was always embraced in our home. It allowed for a parade of rather unique individuals to fill our living room and share around our kitchen table. And, it allowed me to realize that all humans share a narrative: the quest for wholeness, happiness and freedom to be, to connect with others and something larger than themselves.

Unity in Diversity.

Thanks Mom and Dad. It turns out that all along we were the quintessential American Family...who knew?

The Mouths of Babes

I am exceedingly tired and am ready to finish my three week single parenting stint. I have thanked God daily that my current state was temporary. I am well aware of how many women and men go it alone raising children every single day, forever. I am also convinced that it truly does take a village.

In that spirit, I drove my daughter and two of her friends to a birthday party. The conversation among these 8 year old third graders actually turned to politics...argh, is their no sanctuary from this topic?!? I nearly veered off the road when one of the girls asked me quite plainly, "Mrs. J, is it true that if Obama becomes president he is going to take babies out of their mommy's tummies and kill them?"

That, followed up by a second punch in the stomach, "I heard from a kid a school that if Obama becomes president, we are going to lose that war and then those people are going to come over here and make us be like them."

There has been a lot written on both sides about parents politicizing their children. I find the whole thing rather horrible myself even though for the past two years there would be no possible way my children could have been shielded from the fact that "mommy works for Obama". Heck, my two year old's first word after mama and dada was Obama...no, I'm not kidding.

It is obvious that children pick up what they are hearing at home -- but what I had forgotten was just how much our children soak up the fear that they hear around them. I was driving three little human sponges in my car, one of whom was clearly drenched with fear.

What is to become of these children if Obama actually becomes President Obama? How will they process what they were told with the reality of their daily lives possibly for the next eight years?

I have no idea, but I have a good chance of finding out, don't I?

I will sleep well tonight, partly out of sheer exhaustion, but also in the comfort of knowing that all along I have assured my children that whatever the outcome of this election...it will be alright. And, it will be the right and best choice for this country because we, as citizens, will have made that choice. That is what it means to be a democracy.

Country First, indeed.

Run Away Maverick

In an effort to solidify my position on the subject, just thought I'd go on record as saying something profound. I want to be able to refer back to this blog and show my children someday.

Sara Palin's career has already reached its apex. Her favorability ratings were at their highest about two days after she was announced in late August...before the public actually knew who she was.

My armchair wonk prediction is that she will become a mere footnote on history. At best, she will be remembered for her spunk. More likely, she will continue to be mildly vilified for the way her mean girlness, lies and magical view of reality brought down the candidacy of John McCain. I do believe she will be gettin' thrown under the proverbial bus.

Time, of course, will tell...

In the meantime, there are a few Alaskans who seem to already know the score.

This video is priceless.

Both of these gals echoed my thoughts exactly. I kind of envied them for a minute or two.

Watch and enjoy.

Voting Your Pocketbook

I just happened upon this NIFTY little tool put out by the Obama campaign. The Obama-Biden Tax Savings Calculator.

It puts things in brass tacks (or tax) perspective if you're looking for brass tacks!

I find it nothing short of brilliant; yet another way that Obama and Biden are trying to make government accessible again.

Give it a try....and SEND IT TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!! Especially your GOP FRIENDS WHO SAY THE GOP WILL SAVE THEM MORE MONEY.

I did it, and needless to say...I'm getting 6 times more with Obama than with McCain.

As my friend from Virginia used to say: "Well, paint me pink and roll me in the mud!"

Hope Monger

I continue to believe that part of my role as a pastor is to uplift, peddle hope and generally encourage the down-trodden. People come to church so they can leave feeling better, not worse. Right or wrong, simplistic or not...that has always been my working assumption.

And so it is that when I read the polls, I believe that Obama is winning and that his victory will also be a referendum on race for this country. We will have made an enormous leap forward. That is my thinking.

But as I read and talk to people I can also see that they don't believe the polls, and think Obama will not win...AND his defeat will be a referendum on race for this country. So it was that several papers including the NY Times recently printed stories on the so-called "Bradley Effect".

I just don't think so. Why? Well...re-read first paragraph.

Behold: Queen Esther

The Old Testament story of Esther depicts the tale of a beautiful queen who uses her charm, cooking skills and courageous nature to save the Israelites from destruction. Her story is celebrated each year during the Jewish Festival of Purim, a joyful remembrance of triumph for the Jewish people. It is often referred to as "The Jewish Halloween" for children dress in costume and act out the colorful story.

For Evangelical Christians this story takes on an additional meaning. Esther was placed in the role of favored queen by God. Confronting her king husband took courage...and confidence that she was placed in her position by the Lord to do what was right. Esther is revered for her courage to speak out for justice even when it could have cost her life.

Enter Sarah Palin. A Queen Esther for our time. Now I know I wasn't being paranoid when I posted Called By God last month. Watch this and you'll see what I mean.

I am certainly not opposed to those who feel called to serve their community in faith...but if it becomes a miscarriage of justice in the name of God...yikes, I do have trouble with that.

One BIG question that looms large: why did we have to hear about Rev. Wright for the entire month of March and then some...but we've yet to hear MSM really play this out? Ideas anyone?

Cool and Calm

I just read Andrew Sullivan's piece in the Times Online about the way in which Obama's temperament is working in his favor.

I highly commend it to you. Yes, I'm a big Sullivan fan...and yes, Sullivan likes Obama. But more than that, the piece is commendable because it gets at the reason I think the country is shifting toward Obama's candidacy.

It isn't his policies, or his party, his experience or his words...but it is his calming presence in the midst of the madness that is swirling around us right now. I think many people are now realizing that they do not have to agree with everything he says and does to recognize that from this place of sang-froid, he will better be able to steer the ship in the midst of the storm. McCain talks about having a steady hand on the tiller...Obama actually has one.

I'm just waiting for the new commercial to come out rivaling Palinex.

Obamapro: when you need to relax and just get through the day.

Thought For The Week

In politics, like religion, power lay in certainty -- and one man's certainty always threatens another's.
-Barack Obama, Dreams from My Father

Pontiff, Prophet, Poet

Somewhat by chance (though I'm inclined to believe otherwise), I happened upon a video of General Minister and President of The United Church of Christ, The Rev. John Thomas.

It was taken at Trinity UCC, Chicago, on February 24, 2008 on the occasion of the retirement of The Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

In it, Thomas describes the life and ministry of Wright in terms that we have not had the privilege of hearing from the MSM.

I think it is worth 8 minutes to watch it...especially if you are a member of the United Church of Christ.

After serving in the UCC for 15 years, I came to understand, respect and admire the truly open and affirming nature of this denomination. It is Progressive Christianity at its best, in my humble opinion.

For those of you who find you are still defending Obama for Rev. Wright (am I the only one?), forward THIS VIDEO to your friends...I think it will shed some light and help build a needed bridge of understanding.

UPDATE: Sorry, there was a problem with the video...but I fixed it, now you can watch this. THe references to Wright are about 2 mintues in.

Laughter: The Best Medicine

You may want to consult your doctor for this latest Rx.

Watch THIS, you'll be HAPPY you did.

Mind Meld

While I was writing my post about Michelle, Andrew Sullivan was writing this. Check it out.

This is just proof that the toxicity in the culture right now has reached a tipping point and is quite hard to avoid. It feels far more contagious...

I think our collective T-Cells need a serious dose of Echinacea.

What Is True?

I saw Michelle Obama on Larry King Live last night. Is this lady a class act, or what?!? She is poised, smart, gracious, well-spoken, and keenly self-possessed. I could not help but think of the other 44 year old mother in this race. What a difference. Phew.

Among the things that stood out in my mind from the interview was how she refused to take on the role of victim. It isn't in her lexicon to even go there. And why?

As a little girl growing up, she was obviously ridiculed for any number of reasons as she tells the story. But she went on to say that her mother always told her that before she got upset, she needed to look deep inside herself and ask the question, "Is what they're saying true about you?"

If not...then just let it go and move on.

It seems to me that the essence of the "cool" that both Barack and Michelle exude comes from this inner core developed through their collective life experience. You don't learn that stuff in a book, but from living life ever so slightly on the outside of the mainstream. Outside not of your own choosing but because the times (nearly) demanded you to be on the out side.

In the end, I am left with a very basic impression. These folks may be consummate politicians, and you might even accuse them of being opportunistic...but they are not seeking to infect this country with negativity and fear and anger and division.

On the contrary, they are hoping to bring this nation together. As people who have personally experienced the pain of division, I think it gives them the edge to moving us forward in the right direction.

That is the hope on which I will stand as we move toward November 4th.

Bobbi and Me

I had another occasion to meet Bobbi Brown at a local makeover event. What a great treat, not only the makeover part, but the chance to talk Obama with one of his earliest, biggest fans/fundraisers. She is really a great lady, I think we're almost friends now. heh.

This was nearly one week ago, and in a fit of confidence, Bobbi suggested that we ought to make our hotel reservations now since we'll definitely be getting invited to an inaugural ball.

BOBBI...I didn't even think of that!

Today, I'm thinking she's right. After last night's debate and the conservative reactions, I would say we're in great shape. So, I'm calling the hairdresser to figure out what to do with my hair...and I'm calling my girlfriend in D.C. to get her spare room ready for hubby and me this January!

As Bobbi would say: Change, its a beautiful thing.

Muck of the Day

We started our day with a huge orange juice spill. My six-year old, in an effort to delay getting dressed, propelled a toy in such a way that it whipped the juice cup against the wall and onto the floor. As my husband likes to say, the kitchen got a new paint job.

Immediately, three sets of eyes looked toward mom in utter fright...how would mom react?

"Oh," I said, with uncharacteristic calm, "I guess that is what happens when the purple alien doll hits the cup of orange juice. Now what needs to happen?"

Actions have consequences. It is that simple. It is a lesson we experience every day.

From Biblical times we have been told that we reap what we sow. (Galatians 6:7) It isn't an exclusively Christian concept but it has certainly been built into the DNA of a faith-filled life.

Which makes me wonder just where all of this seriously sick mudslinging will lead.

I just read that people at McCain-Palin rallies are getting all worked up and shouting "TREASON" and "TERRORIST" in reference to Obama.

This for mentioned little tid-bit wins my pot calling kettle black award for the day.

Lest we forget: It was the GOP that accused the "Obamaniacs" of whipping up Nazi-Germany like frenzies at their rallies. Gulp. I find it all a bit frightening and cannot imagine what the residual effect will be.

Obama has thrown his share of muck. But what is coming out of McCain and Palin's campaign plays on every stereotype and every fear known to humanity. It encompasses every ism you can imagine.

I can't say yet what the final effect will be, but before I go re-do my son's o.j. clean up effort, I have to say that the latest polls are in from Florida.

May the reaping begin.

Latest Polls

I just had to shout out to my hard working friends in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Today, www.RealClearPolitics.com shows that these states went from leaning Obama to solid Obama.

Have we reached a tipping point? Are we on our way to a landslide?

Let's see what happens at tonight's debate. 9pm e.s.t.

Foresight, Prescience, Vision

I received a pastoral phone call from "my financial advisor" today. I think he just wanted me to know that everything would be okay...sit tight, don't panic. I don't underestimate the importance of such a call, and the effect it could potentially have on the markets. Calming the little investor at the bottom can have a decided trickle up result.

Needless to say, our conversation touched on the upcoming election during which point he mentioned that he was leaning toward Obama, but still wasn't sure. I asked him, why not.

Well, I like what he says, but then I'm just not sure if its all talk, nice words with nothing behind them.

I for one, don't know why Obama cannot shake this meme. Is McCain all that deep when he speaks?

I might have said that, but instead found myself referring the this letter (below) written by Obama...and note the date...in March of 2007, more than 18 months ago.

Read it and see what you think.

When I think of a strong leader what comes to mind is vision and even foresight, or my new favorite word: prescience.

I rest my case.

______________________________________________________

Dear Chairman Bernanke and Secretary Paulson,

There is grave concern in low-income communities about a potential coming wave of foreclosures. Because regulators are partly responsible for creating the environment that is leading to rising rates of home foreclosure in the subprime mortgage market, I urge you immediately to convene a homeownership preservation summit with leading mortgage lenders, investors, loan servicing organizations, consumer advocates, federal regulators and housing-related agencies to assess options for private sector responses to the challenge.

We cannot sit on the sidelines while increasing numbers of American families face the risk of losing their homes.

And while neither the government nor the private sector acting alone is capable of quickly balancing the important interests in widespread access to credit and responsible lending, both must act and act quickly.

Working together, the relevant private sector entities and regulators may be best positioned for quick and targeted responses to mitigate the danger. Rampant foreclosures are in nobody's interest, and I believe this is a case where all responsible industry players can share the objective of eliminating deceptive or abusive practices, preserving homeownership, and stabilizing housing markets.

The summit should consider best practice loan marketing, underwriting, and origination practices consistent with the recent (and overdue) regulators' Proposed Statement on Subprime Mortgage Lending. The summit participants should also evaluate options for independent loan counseling, voluntary loan restructuring, limited forbearance, and other possible workout strategies. I would also urge you to facilitate a serious conversation about the following:

* What standards investors should require of lenders, particularly with regard to verification of income and assets and the underwriting of borrowers based on fully indexed and fully amortized rates.

* How to facilitate and encourage appropriate intervention by loan servicing companies at the earliest signs of borrower difficulty.

* How to support independent community-based-organizations to provide counseling and work-out services to prevent foreclosure and preserve homeownership where practical.

* How to provide more effective information disclosure and financial education to ensure that borrowers are treated fairly and that deception is never a source of competitive advantage.

* How to adopt principles of fair competition that promote affordability, transparency, non-discrimination, genuine consumer value, and competitive returns.

* How to ensure adequate liquidity across all mortgage markets without exacerbating consumer and housing market vulnerability.

Of course, the adoption of voluntary industry reforms will not preempt government action to crack down on predatory lending practices, or to style new restrictions on subprime lending or short- term post-purchase interventions in certain cases. My colleagues on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs have held important hearings on mortgage market turmoil and I expect the Committee will develop legislation.

Nevertheless, a consortium of industry-related service providers and public interest advocates may be able to bring quick and efficient relief to millions of at-risk homeowners and neighborhoods, even before Congress has had an opportunity to act. There is an opportunity here to bring different interests together in the best interests of American homeowners and the American economy. Please don't let this opportunity pass us by.

--Barack Obama, March, 2007

_________________________________________________________

If You Don't Have Anything Nice To Say

This past weekend was busy in suburbia. School picnics, annual town festival day, monkeying around on the monkey bars, and, of course...POLITICS.

As I explained to my hubby who is currently traveling abroad, I am not the only one who is obsessed with this election. This weekend was no different except for one thing.

There was bi-partisan agreement that going negative won't work for McCain. At least not for the New Jersey voters I'm talking to. They simply won't have him drown out his absurd choice of Sarah Palin and his lack of an economic plan by turning up the vile (ness).

This poll just out today explains that McCain's net favor ability ratings have absolutely PLUMMETED in the last few weeks.

People are already sick to death about the economy, and still nauseous from Thursday night's debate...they just can't stomach any more.

It is too bad that McCain didn't realize that before. Sadly, aside from losing the race, there are a couple of mavericks out there who may find their reputations gone for good as well.

So, perhaps what your mother always told you is true: if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Or, as the Good Book says:

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

Know Hope

I saw this video posted yesterday and it was so moving that a friend suggested I post it so that more people can see it.

This is Richard Trumka of the AFL-CIO speaking out against racism, in support of Obama. It is a very similar speech to one I heard while in Denver, also by a AFL-CIO leader.

To hear this coming from a white man from rural Pennsylvania not only brings me to tears, but reminds me that we have come so far. Things have changed, and the changes are real.

This election cannot be about the things that divide us but MUST be about the things that bring us together. It must be about unity and hope because with a war raging and a 10 trillion dollar national debt we simply must gather up our bootstraps and move things forward...together.

When I hear a national leader, a real "Joe six-pack" talk this way, I know hope indeed.

Phew...

I am sorry that I obsessed over last night's debate. All I can say is that I breathed a sigh of relief when it was over.

It did all that is was supposed to do: Made Republicans who will vote for McCain anyway, a little more comfortable about doing so. My GOP neighbor said, "I wasn't impressed with her at all, and I hate the Joe six-pack/hockey mom routine, but at least she didn't completely screw up like with Katie Couric. I don't think she is qualified to be president, but if McCain dies, I'm sure she will get lots of help from lots of advisers, right?"

It made Democrats who will vote for Obama anyway, quite a bit better about doing so. We saw why Obama picked Biden and why so many have loved him for years.

As for Independents and undecided voters: time will tell. Pollster.com shows Obama up at the highest he has been since this started. Time will tell.

I, for one, am relieved.

What Worries Me

I want to go on record BEFORE the VP debate.

I have alluded to the various reasons why Sarah Palin worries me: her mean spirited manners, her close-minded attitude, her pathological lies, her six-pack joe-ness.

She does not appeal to me, and I truly do not think she is mentally or intellectually prepared to take on the role of vice-president.

But I know that her job in the debate tomorrow night will be to cremate Obama. (not Biden, but Obama) I know that the rules have been set up so that all she needs to do is present her well written, well versed points of annihilation. For her, that will be easy.

She has to smile with her shiny lips and cute glasses. As a hockey mom, and a former mayor, a governor and woman, she knows how to get at the heart of what some people will want to hear. For her, that will be easy.

She has to appeal to people by appealing to their fears. For her, that will be VERY easy.

After so many train wreck interviews where she guarded her words to the point of sounding moronic, the bar has been set diabolically low for her. She pretty much just has to show up.

The irony is that for all the bad mouthing Republicans have done on what they call Obama's celebrity status, they have been dying for one to call their own. A sexy, cute, charming and she's their gal.

It all worries me, what can I say...I'm a worrier. But I'm also a person of faith, and I know we add nothing to our lives by worrying...not a thing.

The polls are wildly great in Obama's favor going into this event. So in the words of Jesse Jackson: Keep Hope Alive, Keep Hope Alive!