Conundrum

I decided before Thanksgiving (and the primaries) started last year to vote for Senotar John McCain. He actually works with people on the other side of the aisle, which I would like to see from all our politicians more often. But as the election draws near, I waver from being solidly in McCain's camp to not wanting to vote at all and back again.

First, I am not completely sold on Governor Palin as a running mate: At first I thought a woman running mate was great strategy. I marvelled the day of the anouncement at what a genius move it was: she could potentially win women and union voters with her background. I also was pretty impressed by her spunk, though not the substance, during her speech at the convention. Sometimes she dazzles; other times she sounds - well - like Senator Harry Reid. (For those of you who don't know my opinion of Senator Reid, that's my way of saying she sounds ignorant during an interview. I know it's not nice, but it's how I feel.)

Second, I am not always happy with McCain's campaign strategy: he is often in the attack mode. (I know that is actually a lifelong pattern with him, so at least he is staying consistent.) Jesse was really upset when we watched McCain repeatedly attack Romney during the primary debates; McCain completely ignored Romney's defense, which was quite logical, and just kept going at him - it wasn't pretty. Unfortunately, I think McCain's offensive pattern puts people off when they watch him, so they miss his message.

So, last night I tried to watch the presidential debate. First problem: I was hit with a terrible migraine right after dinner, and the tylenol I took really didn't help me. I had a very hard time focusing, although that didn't matter in the long run, because of the second problem. Second problem: the candidates were given the first two minutes to answer the question and then spend five more minutes in rebuttal. During the first four minutes the viewers actually got some substance; the next five minutes, and frequently beyond the time limit, the candidates argued. I expected this from Senator McCain; I expected Senator Obama to rise above it. I listened for their answers, zoned out during the rebuttals which were often tangential anyway, then tuned in again when Jim Lehrer moved on to the next question.

I am back in the I-don't-want-to-vote-for-either mode again. Senator Obama is thoughtful and dignified, but I cannont support his platform. Senator McCain has the right platform, but I want a president who can unite, not push further apart. I really like that he can work with Democrats on the far-left to create legislation that is middle-of-the-road, but I don't like that he puts otherwise civil opponents on the defensive.

I wish there were a way to combine the best attributes of both: McCain's ability to compromise with Obama's dignity and civility. A McBama candidate. Okay, that sounds like something from a McDonalds menu, but you know what I mean.

Maybe it is time I start researching the Libertarian candidate.