Politics

I've followed this election a lot more closely than the other two I have been old enough to vote in. In 2000 and 2004, I didn't care for either person that the Republicans or Democrats put up for the Presidential position. I'm an Independent, and am not going to say who I'm voting for (I have decided, though) , just writing the things that I've noticed on this campaign trail.

First off, this election has felt like it has gone on FOREVER. I'm betting that a lot of people got burned out after the lengthy Obama/Clinton campaign. The Republican campaign didn't really pick up interest at all until McCain picked Sarah Palin up as his vice-presidential candidate. Whether people like her or not, there's no doubt that her selection got people thinking and I think that McCain should be pleased with the excitement she's generated. People aren't saying much good or bad in regards to Democrat VP candidate Joe Biden. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing for the Obama campaign.

I really tried to watch the Presidential debate last night. After about an hour, I had to turn it off. The same ol', same ol' bickering about the same old issues. Both candidates claimed to be the only ones looking out for the middle class, but if you look at their policies, I don't think either one is. I'm not sure even how many middle class people are left, after the up & (mostly) down economy since 9/11. Seems like the country's split into "haves" and "have nots".

I still haven't decided whether to vote or how to vote on local officials. You see, I'm leaving West Virginia less than five months after the winning candidates would assume their elected positions. So, basically, November's local results would have very little to no effect on me. I might talk to people, like my parents, who will remain in the state, and see their outlook on the situation.

I'll probably give a VP debate a chance, as I'm interested in seeing how Palin & Biden interact. Besides that, I think I'm giving my politically burned out self a rest (as far as the national campaigns are concerned) until the November elections.