A For Effort, D For Effectiveness (so far)

Everyone is asking, "Is McCain really interested in stopping the campaign to take care of the economic situation, or is this just his next move in the campaign?" Either way, this looks bad. The media is already making fun of him for this public statement. According to Drudge, David Letterman blasted McCain on his pre-recorded show today. (McCain was scheduled to appear on Letterman's show today until he cancelled due to suspending the campaign.) My biggest fear is how will McCain resume the campaign once he figures out that this won't fly? How can he possibly start things back up without being made fun of again?

I'm going to actually praise Obama a little bit. He's going on with the campaign while still making it clear that he's concerned about the economical situation. He's not making a big deal out of McCain's statement but he's addressing it. He's playing it cool, and so far all of this is working to his advantage, though this issue will probably change hour-to-hour.

Race? Really?

"Race is arguably the biggest issue in this election, and it's one that nobody's talking about.

The differences between Barack Obama and John McCain couldn't be more well-defined. Obama wants to change Washington. McCain is a part of Washington and a part of the Bush legacy. Yet the polls remain close. Doesn't make sense…unless it's race." - Jack Cafferty

The polls do remain close. Gallup released a new poll today that was conducted September 14-16. It shows Obama regaining a few points to 47% versus McCain's 45% among registered voters.

The question is: Why does the media continue to make race an issue? McCain is clearly QUALIFIED to be president. He has overwhelming experience and know-how. Jack Cafferty and media elites like him continue to call this country racist. It's a tragedy. Of course race will continue to be an issue if we continue to make it one. So, should a man like Barack Obama be elected simply because he IS black? Would that mean that we defeated racism? Or would it mean that Americans just don't want to be perceived as racist, so they elected a black president?

If we want to move on as a country and get rid of racism for good, we must treat everyone completely equally! The equality that I'm talking about does not give African-Americans any advantage over white people in education, living standards, or media coverage in a presidential election. Everyone should be required to earn their own way, just as John McCain and Barack Obama have done so far. They are both great men of American fortune and HARD WORK.

But there continue to be persons in the media community like Cafferty who give a handicap to Obama as if he shouldn't be allowed to earn the presidency with his experience, values, and policy decisions.

What is going on over there?

...and why is so little being said about it?

According to a report by Reuters earlier today, "Moscow is ready to help Cuba develop its own space center." The Russian government says it is ready to renew ties to the communist nation after relations were severed during the fall of the Soviet Union."

This news comes as an announcement is made that U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice will make a speech tomorrow about the United States' relationship with Russia following the conflict in Georgia. She plans to discuss possible repercussions.

Why hasn't this issue played a larger role in the presidential campaigns of Obama and McCain? Hopefully it will. While the economy is of major concern, the problematic relations with Russia could have a much bigger long-term effect on our country. As McCain is slipping back in the polls again after a Palin high, one wonders if he will inject this issue into the debate. It would probably be a smart thing to do considering most would agree that it would be a strong point for him in comparison to Obama. 

It's a very delicate situation though as whoever comes out and starts talking about it first could get the edge on the issue since they will likely have very similar viewpoints on the matter. However, that candidate could also wind up being accused of using scare tactics to drive the attention away from from issues that are effecting Americans now, such as the economy, healthcare, taxes, and the war in Iraq.

Sarah Palin: Target or Ambush Waiting To Happen?

The media are now saying that Sarah Palin has put a target on her forehead because of her impressive speech to the RNC. This may be true; But if it is, it was very well calculated by the McCain/Palin camp. The Obama team is now scrambling to figure out how to attack her properly. It's a very difficult situation for them. Is it really possibly for them to attack her without getting backfire?

Not only do they have to worry about the public, who may see attacks on Palin as unfair because she's a woman; but Palin is seeming more and more able to hold her own. She has a fire that many did not expect. McCain is looking more and more like a genius to make this pick. It's working out to his advantage so far as it has absolutely captured the media's attention. Who is the bigger star now; Palin or Obama? In addition, the Republicans can make a great claim, "Our star has more executive experience than theirs."

The Palin pick seemed exceedingly risky at first, but it's working out so far. The question is, will it hold up in the long run and how will the VP debate go down?