Looking back at the primaries, (seems like a hundred years ago already), I can honestly say that I was rather unimpressed with the fields on both sides of the aisle.

Senator Thompson, had he run a campaign which exhibited some sign of actually aspiring to the presidency would have been my first choice, followed by former Mayor, Rudy Giuliani (who also shot himself in the foot by believing Florida to be the most important state in the early going.) Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul and John McCain were very distant choices for me personally, as a matter of fact I did not find them to be what I feel is presidential material.

On the Left, I admired the tenacity and drive of Senator Obama in taking on the formidable Clinton organization. Personally I agreed with one aspect of “change” which was advocated by the Senator from Illinois campaign. No more Bush’s or Clinton’s. This country needs a chance to move past the divisions which have created due to the past twenty years. Yet, Obama is not a proven or tested leader on many fronts either.

It became apparent quickly that my thinking was not replicated by a majority of the voters, at least on the Right side of the aisle and so here I am. For the first time in all the years I have the right to vote, I find myself in a tug of war over two men, neither of which I see as Commander in Chief material.

In fairness though, I am not certain that I am willing to give either a real chance right now. The theatrics of this campaign season (and its longevity) have left me feeling rather drained.

He said, he said articles are the prevailing stories which after a period of time lose all their luster. Repetitive ads which again spend more time criticizing an opponent than laying out a plan for the future of America fall on deaf ears (and I don’t believe they are just mine.)

Some say it’s early yet, but we are ninety eight days from electing our next President and those who are not yet fully committed to a choice have a huge decision to make. Do they sit home and do nothing or will they vote half-heartedly for a candidate only because of party preference or choosing who they believe the lesser of two evils?

As for me, I am certain I will vote but it will be with far less enthusiasm than in the past. There has been no move on my part to assist in the election of either of the candidates, something which I have always done in the past for those I have believed in.

Please do not think I am passing judgment on those who enthusiastically have backed either Senator’s Obama or McCain as that is not my intent.

It could just be me and my personal feelings towards the entire process which is bogging me down. I read and hear so much constant criticism of both these men from both sides of the aisle that it is depressing in its own way. How can anyone with so many negatives be effective in Washington?

Will Americans just roll over and play dead if we elect someone who attempts to alter our lifestyle or the values which we have stood for ? I tend to think they would be in for one heck of a fight.

Yes, previous campaigns have also been laden with less than positive comments of an opponent. Yes, Presidents learn when in office. Yes, Congress will play a huge role in the success or failure of this country’s CEO. Yes, the media has the ability to assist in making or breaking any politician and yes this country will survive no matter which of these men is elected.

No, there has never been a perfect candidate for any office. No, absolutely no President, Senator or Congressman is without flaws. No, we don’t always get what we want, we live with what we get, as in everyday life.

Sorry for the rambling post, but this might explain why I have really backed off politics for quite some time. For me, there is no right answer this time around and if I cannot find positives to accentuate on one side, I refuse to condemn the other.

In the end, things will be as they will be and I for one will just be happy when November rolls around and the madness in over.

I’ll vote because then I have the right to criticize or applaud the candidate who is the victor.

I will always respect the Office of the Presidency..it is up to the man sitting in the chair to earn that same respect.