I would normally agree on that point, Mary, but this simply is not the case in this election. And it isn't confined to one party when it comes to Obama. The use of race code words, guilt by association, and playing to the subconscious fear base on race, have plagued this young man throughout the primaries and into the general election. And it makes me sick. This idea that anything is fair as long as one wins is exactly what is wrong with our system. The Clintons did it, and now McCain/Palin are doing it. But Obama's dedication to rising above it, the way he handles it with grace, these are the reasons I have said before that I believe him to be a transcendent political figure. It is my opinion, at least at this stage, that he has the grace, stature, wisdom, etc. to possibly be one of those Presidents that will go down in history as altering for the better the state of political discourse in this country. When one looks at who he listens to, and who have come to admire him, it is clear that many see the attributes of a history making leader.

I have spent my entire life in the fight for the civil rights of women, people of color, working people, and by extension all people. The real lesson of Obama lies in how he has handled all of this, and in the way he confronted John McCain onstage at the last debate, when he looked him in the eye, and with righteous anger yet controlled by respect, pointed out that McCain's supporters referred to him as a "terrorist, and shouted 'Kill him'". To one who reads the emotion in the facial expressions, Obama's face told a complete story that should have dispelled any further doubt to anyone who is not so completed blinded by self interest or partisanship. And McCain's did the same. Go back and view the tape.

All the best,

Mick