As someone who has been around since before WWII began, I hate the current tendency to see and comment on the political world in mere "sound bites." It affects too many lives and is too profound a force to be taken so lightly by so many.

I feel no great connection to either candidate. I suspect I am far from alone in that. The best and the brightest we have go into business, not politics. That sad reality has never been more evident than now. Most accomplished leaders would not subject themselves and their families to the extreme scrutiny and the dirty tricks inherent in election politics. I think that is a damned shame. This is why:

I think Mr. Obama is very telegenic, but an "empty suit" with sterling presentation skills and an over-abundance of ego. Where he usually falls short is in dealing with hard questions "off script." He is the classic chameleon. He puts his wet finger in the air and crafts another carefully scripted response to the new direction of the wind. I think he could well be elected, but I think most who vote for him either do not really know him or what he stands for or are doing so along purely partisan lines. He is woefully inexperienced for what he potentially faces, but some may actually see that as a benefit. Woe unto them, for the consequence of that inexperience could well be chaos.

Mr. McCain, son of a celebrated WWII Admiral and a noted prisoner of war who endured much torture and anguish, is sincere, but uninspiring. I do not impugn his honesty, but he is not a galvanizing or charismatic leader. Moreover, I think his own ego gets in the way of common sense far too often. He seems to lack focus and a central theme that resonates. I still have profound respect for his service, most particularly the way in which his conduct, under extreme duress, helped fellow prisoners to endure and survive.

The U.S., and the world, need leadership with integrity, that transcends petty politics and is willing to do the right thing for the greater good, even if it means being unpopular in certain quarters. Perhaps McCain can rise to that, as some others have done in the Presidency. I can only be hopeful.

I saw a bumper sticker that pretty well sums up the attitude of many, "VOTE NO FOR PRESIDENT!"