Summer has only hours remaining and the leaves are preparing for winter. Who are voters watching? Most interest we have seen is centering on Hillary Clinton and Fred Thompson with people purchasing hats and bumper stickers for each of the hopefuls.
Although the slate of potential contenders is impressive, there is also an incredible list of negatives attached to most of them. Does anyone really think Fred has the stamina and interest to be president? Will Hillary Clinton ever be able to convince those who hate her to come together? Can Rudy run on security while those who worked for him in NYC complain about his leadership? Is Obama that unaware of his inexperience? What about John McCain's stubborn attitude toward the war? Perhaps it is time to look at some of the less-prominent candidates. Bloomberg has removed himself from the fray but could be a powerful candidate, as could Chuck Hagel or Bill Richardson.
One thing is certain: the problems facing the next president will be massive, the available funds limited, international goodwill bruised, but the challenges will surely provide opportunity for someone to carve out a substantial reputation. Who we select will probably shape our country and the world for decades to come. Is the electorate so discouraged and disenfranchised with politics at this point to really care? That is the biggest worry here. Can we be serious and pick a president who will be capable of at least some of what is needed?
Show your support of a candidate with hats, t-shirts, bumper stickers and more at
CANDIDATESTUFF.comMac the Observer
Joe Biden is voicing a different message than the other democratic candidates for president. He has indicated his support for strengthening the regional governing powers in Iraq and incorporating them under a national federation as a means to quell the ethnic strife. Is this what is needed to make progress in Iraq? Perhaps trying something different is a good idea!
Now that we in the dangerous time of hurricanes, we should keep a look out for "Hurricane Karl." This "storm" has the potential to cause much damage and the cone of uncertainty includes the entire United States. We all need to prepare for the possibility of high winds, dangerous tides and a major surge.
We talk about the top democratic candidates in the presidential race, but there are others who are also worthy of consideration. Think about Joe Biden. In the last "debate" he came across as smart, bold, and informed. He has plenty of relevant experience and yet seems in touch with ordinary people. On the issue of Iraq he is the only person with a plan that is more articulated than just saying how many months or weeks before some or all of the troops are pulled out. Joe sees the need for partitioning Iraq. Can that be so bad? Can anything be worse than the state of Iraq now? It may be time to take a look at some of the candidates who are not in the front pages. How about looking at Mr. Biden? Here's his officical website.
Now that a major bridge has collapsed will the presidential candidates begin to warm to the idea of promoting infrastructure as an issue? We know how they search for whatever topics will resonate with the public -- this public or that public -- they slice us up to get votes for themselves.
