Crunch Time

      Two weeks to go and desperation is giving way to wackiness. First Palin tried to parody herself on SNL and now McCain is calling Obama a socialist. The lies , the distortions, the character assaults and the attempts to tie him to questionable personalities have failed, so the new bogeyman is socialism, This is at a time when the Bush administration is cozying to Libya and Syria making overtures to Iran and removing North Korea from the terror list and adoptimg policies of government intervention in the marketplace.

      In September Obama raised $ 150 million. Now Colin Powell ( perhaps trying to rehabilitate himsrlf after being used and lied to by Bush and Cheney on WMD in Iraq ), has stated that he will vote for Obama, He also critized McCain for his abusive campaign and on the choice of Palin, who according to Powell is not qualify to be president.

      While Obama seems to be comfortably ahead, there is the lingering fear that, race will still play a part and may deny him the presidency. It is estimated that about 6% of the white  voters may vote racially. This may be crucial in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and North Carplina. In Florida McCain's supporters are saying that Obama is more communist than Castro......the Cuban American vote is crucial.

      Young voters may be the key for Obama. They are excited by him. If they turn out in large numbers, they will be the difference. Women who were disenchanted when Hilary was not chosen, may be returning to the party, especially because they realise that the next president will be naming judges to replace retirees in the Supreme Court....abortion, equal rights and other social issues are at stake.   

     The next two weeks will be most interesting. Amrerica can send a message of hope to itself and the rest of the world or it can turn inward and waste a glorious opportunity.