Why do I like Barack Obama even though I disagree with most of what he proposes? His speech on race was amazing.
If I use logic, then there is no way I would vote for this guy. I disagree with most of his policies. I especially don’t know if I could vote for someone who supports abortion or who wants to pull out of Iraq within the first year of his term. But I truly think he has the ability to heal the nation. He has a way of bringing people together. But he doesn’t support most of the causes that I support. His healthcare proposal isn’t quite what I want. Nor are his policies on economics and taxes.
But when I listen to him speak, I have urges to vote for him. I’ve decided it’s mass hypnosis. 
The real question is, can John McCain heal the nation just as well as Barack Obama?
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Dan Wilson is a self described computer geek with an opinion on too many things. Regardless of whether the topic is politics, computers, gadgets or social engineering, you can bet he's got an opinion and tends to share. He's currently employed as a software engineer and excels at web development using open-source technologies. 
You knew I would have to comment on this. Obama has, in my opinion, the three most important characteristics a President needs: character, intelligence, and political acumen. Most Presidents have some combination of these to some degree, but not since Eisenhower have we had a President who has a significant amount of each. I really think he’s the best hope for our nation.
I think McCain will continue the Bush path of spending the country into bankruptcy, whether for wars, tax cuts, or unnecessary subsidies to Big Business.
I think Obama is the real deal (at least I hope I’m not simply projecting my delusions—if I am, I’ll have to give up on the whole thing). I think he can heal the nation, work across the aisle, improve our image overseas, and once again make us a leader in the world, not just a bully. As far as his less desirable views on abortion, I don’t think he will change the make-up of the Supreme Court at all—all the more liberal justices are just waiting for a Democratic President anyway so they can retire. Besides, I’m sure that the Senate will still be too evenly balanced to force through some wild liberal appointments, and I don’t think he would want to cause that kind of friction unless he has to.
Not that any of it matters in Utah; McCain polls at 54%. Even combining those who favor Obama (21%), Clinton (11%), and Nader (1%), McCain has a 21 point lead. Let’s hope the rest of the country steps up for us.
Dave, I understand your logic with abortion, but it’s not really an issue of whether he will change the makeup of the Supreme Court. It’s the thought that a President could be so blinded by the “progressive” movement that the choice of an irresponsible woman is more important that a life. If he’s blind in that regard, it’s a sign of other blindness.
A comment from Shalynn though email:
I think the whole nation is in the same boat. We’re all hypnotized by Barack Obama. In my opinion there is no way John McCain can heal the nation. He’s just such a harsh, cold person. But just because Barack Obama can make us feel warm and cozy inside, doesn’t necessarily mean he’s healing the nation either. I think you have to choose policy over personality. But I’m completely stumped too! Maybe we should all vote for Hilary – at least then we all know exactly where we stand – in the crapper!
Smiles,
Shalynn
What do we mean when we say “heal the nation?” I think that determines a lot about one person’s ability (even a very charismatic president) to accomplish the end.
That’s a good question Mike. I suppose when I say ‘heal the nation’, I mean lessen the chasm that has been part of our political landscape for the past few decades. Help us feel like one country again rather than two political parties constantly fighting about petty differences.
I think that Obama can appeal to the everyday people of America and hopefully get them to ignore the hatred coming from both ends of the political spectrum. However, the differences aren’t going to go away. The polarization at the extremes is getting more profound every year. Ideological conservatives and liberals truly hate each other’s way of thinking, seeing IT as the cause of all the problems we face.
I hope that his tone remains measured and hopeful. However, I don’t anticipate a change in the hatred in politics.
I realize that the differences aren’t going to change and the extremes aren’t going to change. However, in the recent past that hatred has been brought to the center.
I’m hoping that the next president can push it back to the extremes. It’s really not that hard. All they need to do is show some leadership by playing nice accross the isle. Perhaps that’s just the first step, bit it’s much better than we’ve seen recently.