EDWORDS

Now, this John Edwards I would have voted for ...

BARACK IS DA BAMA

I have a problem. For the first time in my voting history, I can't say that I have a slam dunk choice for the Democratic presidential nominee. And to make my dilemma worse, it looks like my vote will actually matter this time around. Because you see, those pesky New Hampshanuts didn't obey the polls and vote for Obama like everyone said they should. Well, Hillary's rally at UCSB on Friday reminded me that Super Tuesday is just around the corner, and it's clear that no more speeches or debates are going to help me. Nope, I have to stop sitting on the fence and make a decision. So, here goes ... Trekking Left officially endorses ... Barack Obama!

Want to know why? I'll break it down:

JOHN EDWARDS - I like John; I really do. And I feel a little bad for him. Without even getting into his personal struggles, the guy came so very close to being VP in 2004 and then followed that by campaigning his butt off for longer than anyone else. Plus, he's been the first candidate to come out with many key initiatives (e.g. universal health care coverage). Yet, the man can't seem to get the traction needed to be a serious contender. What's this country coming to when a rich white guy can't catch a break? Seriously, though, if I strongly felt he could bring more to the presidential table than the others, I would vote for him without blinking. But all things being fairly equal, I'm just really liking the idea of a woman or a black person being president. Maybe that shouldn't be a major factor in my decision making process, but I don't care. Now is the time to break some barriers in this country!

HILLARY CLINTON - Hillary is such a complicated figure. I have so many conversations with my friends about her, and it seems that every one's feelings are all over the map. For me, it can mostly be boiled down to two things ... Firstly, I want a candidate who's playing to win, rather than someone who's playing not to lose. I am so done with the middle of the road, say nothing, don't take any chances, court independents, listen to crappy consultants kind of politics that plagues the Democratic party. That was a losing strategy for Gore & Kerry, and it's a loser today. It seems to me that Hillary is totally using that same awful playbook. Secondly, and more importantly, I don't think people on the Left truly understand how deeply the hatred goes for her amongst much of the citizenry. Heck, you don't even have to look past the comments on this blog to feel that. And I can't tell you the number of times I've heard some independent or moderate conservative on the teevee say that they would vote for any Democrat but her. My gut tells me a general election that comes down to a few votes in one state like Florida or Ohio will go to the Republicans if she is the nominee. To be clear: the problem with her electability is not that she's a woman .... it's that she's a Clinton.

BARACK OBAMA - I think the key to winning the next election is to inspire hope and make Americans feel good about being Americans again. We simply can't thrive as a country with another 4 or 8 years constantly feeling as if some boogeyman is going to blow us up. We need a respected, calming figure who can show the world what America is really about. I believe that Barack Obama is that person. Not only is he inspirational, but he's shown an uncanny ability to attract independents, young people, and even some Republicans. Now, I know there is this feeling amongst some that latent racists tendencies will prevent many people from actually voting for a black person. That doesn't seem to be a factor so far with Obama. However, for the sake of argument, let's say that it might play a role in the next election. I say, let those votes go. Who wants'm anyway? Finally, there's the lack of experience thing. All I'll say there is that 5 out of the last 6 times we changed parties in a presidential election, it went for the less experienced candidate. And might I add that George H.W. Bush aggressively played the experience card in the race against Bill Clinton.

I probably shouldn't end without talking a little bit about the leading Republican candidates. Hmmm, okay, McCain is the only one who doesn't give me the heebie jeebies.

Well, maybe the heebies.

ANALYZING THE ANALYSIS OF JOHN EDWARDS

The Average Man feels bad for John Edwards and his family. First, he loses his son in a car accident in 1996. Then, he and Kerry lose the presidency in 2004 (I felt bad for me, too). Then, his wife is diagnosed with breast cancer immediately after. And finally, Elizabeth's cancer returns and is "incurable." Much has been written about this latest revelation; mostly about the fact that Edwards has chosen to continue his presidential bid. If you watched their interview on 60 Minutes last night, you saw two courageous people who have chosen to live life to the fullest and not let this disease keep them down.

I'll leave the debate on whether he should or should not run to other people, but I would like to focus on one question that seems to keep popping up: towards the end the Katie Couric interview, she asked if Edwards could stay "focused" as president with his wife's health being what it is. I filed that question away in the back of my brain, but it was pushed to the front this morning when Meredith Viera asked John Kerry if Edwards would be "distracted" as president due to Elizabeth's condition.

Okay, so now I'm angry. Has everyone forgotten that bush holds the record for the most vacation days of any president in history? Oh, and let's not forget about bush playing guitar during Katrina. Heck, I'll even throw in 7 minutes reading My Pet Goat for good measure. I can't think of anyone on the freakin planet more distracted and unfocused than george w. bush!

The media and the conservatives lost their right to ask this question a long time ago. It's just not fair or just that they hold everyone up to a higher standard than our current two term president. Remember back in 2004 when everyone was harping on Edwards' "experience" for a possible VP candidate? Did we forget that bush had never even been to Europe and couldn't name the leader of any nation outside of the US? I wonder if he could even today.

Vote or don't vote for Edwards based on his policies, his beliefs, his honor, and all that stuff. But leave the talk of distractions for those that deserve it.