I consider myself apolitical. I never take a strong political stance, but I am a registered independent and plan to vote. For the first time in the 14 years I've been a registered voter, I am torn between the two candidates. Both parties have weak and strong points. I feel compelled to comment on the vice presidential debate that aired the other night, which is quite out of the ordinary for me. Something that I've noticed is that many people commenting about Palin and Biden are not basing comments on fact, but on emotion. There are a lot of unintelligent comments flying around...vicious comments, mostly on the part of those in support of Obama (or rather those against McCain). I keep reading comments about Palin's stupidity and inexperience, snide remarks about her grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. If these people were actually paying any attention, they would notice that Palin was extremely composed, well-spoken, and direct, whereas Biden continually stumbled over his words, failed to enunciate, and mispronounced many names. Not that this makes him any less credible as a candidate, but if we're going to split hairs, let's split them correctly. I keep reading "quotes" by Palin, that when I look back, realize they are taken out of context and do not in the least support the argument against her. Do I think McCain is the better candidate? I don't know. Do I think Obama is ready to lead this country? Only time will tell. It's difficult to believe any politician, regardless of party ties. Perhaps this is why many people lead with their emotions. They base their vote on a gut feeling. It's a dangerous thing to do. People say, "I'm a republican, so McCain automatically gets my vote," and vice versa. And I know that there are certain issues that mean more to an individual than other issues. To me, gay marriage is an issue for which I feel very strongly but since neither candidate supports it, I have to look at other issues--the bigger picture. The economy and the war in Iraq are the most important issues at hand--in my opinion. I'm not directly affected by the war, since I don't have any friends or family there. I support our troops and thank God for them. But I don't support war. Who really does? Does anyone EVER think war is a good idea? I don't think so. But sometimes it's a necessary evil when sitting down to "talk things out" with insane fundamentalists isn't getting the job done. As for the problems with the economy.... I am personally suffering in that department. I can't even get into the many ways in which I am affected, but my job, my home, my way of life are on the line. I don't know who to trust as the president who will help to pull me out of these dire straits .... perhaps neither. I know I'm not alone in this. All I can do is hope. And I hope that people start listening with theirs ears and not their hearts. Get the facts. Do the research. Don't just go with a gut instinct.