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I just graduated high school when Gore ran against Bush in 2000. When I saw Gore win — and then lose, I didn’t quite understand the implications of that event in history. I was upset of course, back then I was a superficial democrat – young, impressionable and wanting to believe that something great could happen for us as a nation. I did not spend hours reading online newspapers or getting perspectives of others through their blogs. I didn’t search congressional records or try to verify half of the things that the candidates said. The socially connected internet that we know today did not exist in 2000, so all I had to base my opinions were the Mainstream Media (MSM).

Now, eight years later, so much has changed, and I have learned so much more about how this country works and have a greater appreciation for our financial system. Not surprisingly, the recent national news about our economy has grabbed my attention. And as I hear our current candidates, McCain and Obama, talk about this issue that affects me in a direct way, I can not help but immerse myself in the subject.

It seems that every major issue — foreign policy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Health Care, National Security, the Environment — these are all affected by our faltering economy. Our next president needs to take bold action in turning our economy around. It may not be evident by my blogs to date, but I am no fan of the Bush Administration. An end result of the last 8 years is a feeling that the government is out of touch with what matters to its citizens. John McCain represents that same feeling that the government is not listening to the needs of the people.

I much prefer the idea that empowering the average citizen will make this country strong. I am tired of being told to be scared of some terrible event will happen if we don’t take action. Maybe, because I still hope for something better, I see a possibility that with Barack Obama, we will have a nation of average citizens doing something to make our situation better.

The winner of the debate is clearly Obama. When asked questions about the economy or our foreign policy he answered the question knowledgeably and emphasized how he believed we should approach issues. He acknowledged John McCain’s viewpoint respectfully but stood firm what he believed in.

McCain had a condescending tone to everything he said and didn’t say. In fact throughout the debate, as Barack Obama spoke, you can tell through John McCain’s body language that he was trying to convince the viewer, however ineffectively, that every word Barack Obama said was non-sense. When it came time for him to speak, he immediately began assailing his opponent with catchy phrases like “what Barack Obama doesn’t understand” or “with my invaluable experience as a senator for over 26 years”.

It was good marketing, it would convince most casual viewers that Barack Obama doesn’t get it and that John McCain has the experience to lead. But I have the feeling that people are now paying attention more than he thinks. This may be the first election in history where so much information is available if you just look. What John McCain doesn’t seem to understand is that there are more voters, and for that matter – journalists on MSM, connected to the magical “internet” than he realizes. We are not easily swayed by his carefully crafted play on words. We understand that experience counts, but a great vision and laid out plans are what we want. We want a leader who doesn’t maliciously tear down someone who thinks differently than him. A leader who is willing to listen to both sides of the argument and come to workable solution that will benefit us all.

In the world of the polarized electorate, its refreshing to see a candidate who understands that we are tired of the same old politics. You can see this evidenced by the millions of Americans now getting involved in this election. We genuinely want a change. We understand that in the true democracy, every voice counts, and that if we do just our small part in coordination with great leadership, together we can make a change.

http://ping.fm/NzHPB

In fairness to McCain, I researched his video archive on his website for a similar video on his plans. Unfortunately all I could find were videos about his qualifications and him Obama bashing. Don’t believe me? See for yourself… www.johnmccain.com

Remember, you got till October 20th to register to vote. Make this one count.