Kelly

By Wednesday morning, we should know for sure (barring a repeat of the Florida debacle), who is the next president of the United States of America.

Now, personally, it doesn't matter whether 'Father Time' John McCain gets it or Barack 'Big Ears' Obama creates history. I don't believe (I could be wrong), that we will have our situation in Jamaica changed drastically either way. So, this little tirade is all about who I would LIKE to see win. And, since I don't have a vote, it really doesn't bother me.

I would like to see Obama get a term as president. The colour of his skin makes it intriguing (a black man running the United States? Wow!), but it's not the major reason. For me, the US, like we did last year, needs a change.

Economy

Since our good friend Bill 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman' Clinton left office, it's been George W. Bush for two consecutive terms. The critique of the job he did I will leave to others more adept at political science and with more clout. But the economy is in a bad state of affairs, and with McCain saying he agrees with the soon-to-be former president on so many issues, he might not be coming with anything different. Obama represents a fresh (we hope) way of doing things. Mind you, it doesn't guarantee that things will get better, but the feeling is that it won't get worse.

Age is a big factor for me as well. McCain is up there at 72, even though 60 is the new 40. But 72 is too old to start running a country. At that age, you should be leaving politics, not taking the world's most popular political job. His bouts with cancer don't help, but I won't hold that against him. In fact, the resilience he has had to show will help in such a tough job. But, even though you never know what life has in store for you, I would put my money on the (at least at the moment) healthier man.

Vice-presidents

And then there are the vice-presidents. Joe Biden seems like a steady guy who won't turn things upside down if Obama goes out of town for a few days. Sarah Palin on the other hand, well, I don't know if I trust her to run anything. She's cute and all and doesn't look like we would expect a woman who has had five children to. But, as pretty as she is, I wouldn't vote for her.

So, I say good luck to Obama. I think he deserves to win, but it's all about the voters. Oh well, that's democracy for you. Obama, do yu ting!

Who you voting for? daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com