So we finally have a solid presumptive Democratic presidential canidate as Barack Obama clinched the required number of delegates tonight.  However is he the man that will lead this nation?  If the primary season is any precursor to the general election cycle then I think we will see one of the closest races in a long time.  Most people would place their money on the Democrats capturing the White House and fortifying their position within congress.  Given the current direction of the Republican Party-basically a weak liberal coalition in disguise-one would not be voted out of the survival circle for issuing that opinion.  What many liberals make the mistake of doing though is equating conservatism with the G.O.P.  Most of the third party supporters are far more conservative than anyone in the Republican Party.  It is very probable that John McCain will be able to court these voters and win the presidency.  Then again he might not.

America is very, very polarized right now.  We haven't been this divided infact since the years leading to the Civil War.  What each canidate stands for is very different and it will likely get very ugly.  Obama certainly is espousing a new direction.  His willingness to sit and talk with the Iranian President with no preconditions is very controversial.  His economic plan is the old reliable raise the taxes democratic plan.  He would probably try and stack any court he could with far leaning left judges.  We would see more pressure on each state to recognize homosexual marriages and the Fairness Doctrine would probably forever silence Conservative Media.  Finally, Obama more than likely would live up to his promise to bring the troops in Iraq home.  It's a liberal dream come true, and many believe after eight years of Dubya it's an assured victory.  Yet, I am reminded by knowledge of history, isn't this what they said about John Kerry....

John McCain.  He has experience, he is a bonified war hero, he does have a proven track record.  People can look to see what he has voted for and what he has voted against.  He promises an Iraq victory by 2013.  McCain believes the economy will fix itself in the way that economies sometimes do.  McCain is a moderate conservative as well, and has a great potential to reach across the aisles.  His court appointments would most undoubtly be more conservative.

So we have two very different canidates with two very different outlooks.  There are several factors going in to this that you have to consider.  One is that John McCain is closely tied with Bush which could hurt him, however Obama has problems with gain the white working class vote.  Also the Democratic party is in desperate need of party unity, as many of Hillary's voters are now running directly to the booths for McCain.  The Democratic controlled Congress has failed miserably.  Yet who can deny Barack Obama's charisma.  Indeed even I, a dyed in wool conservative, has found myself enamoured by his speeches and ideas.  But do we want a leader or a charmer?  This election is going to be the pivotal election of our times thus far.  I often state that the United States entered a new era after 9/11 and this will be our crossroads. 

One thing I stress, and please follow this advice, is don't listen to the media on either canidate.  Rolling Stone doesn't even know what good music is, much less what is best for our country.  Fox News and CNN only report stories.  Don't let anyone do your research.  You decide this and it is the great duty of the United States citizen.  Do your own research.  Many people vote for someone without even knowing what they stand for.  They are just charmed by them and looking good does not make you a good leader. 

What do you think about the two canidates?