CAN'T TELL THE PLAYERS WITHOUT A PROGRAM

 Obama takes the lead, Edwards fading...Huckabee gaining fast... yep folks it's still a year from the election and the primaries have started with the candidates jockeying for position.
Republicans seemed to lack a candidate. Giuliani, mayor of New York when 9-11 happened, was an early favorite. Since then he's gotten these three strikes against him: people were unhappy with how he treated his ex-wife, the "9-11 orphans" criticized his pre 9-11 actions, and his friend Police Commissioner Bernard Kerick was accused of bribery.
 
Now former Alabama Governor Huckabee has won the Iowa primary. A former Baptist Minister, he appeals to the religious conservative base. Whether he can translate this to a nationwide victory remains to be seen.
Myself, I'd like to see Hillary Clinton win just to anger the Rush Republicans, who seem to have no end of venom for the woman.
Anything can happen between now and the election...but it's almost certain the talk-show Republicans will feature hit tactics to smear any Democratic candidate. They blasted "Move On.Org" earlier in 2007 while avoiding the main issue that most Americans now want out of Iraq.
I'm actually now supporting Obama after I saw him speak. I was originally impressed with his speech at the '04 convention: easily the most inspiring speaker since the
Kennedys.
I saw Robert Kennedy speak in late 1967 and I'll never forget that. What Obama said that appealed to me: Americans are way too cynical now. Working together we can effect positive change. Obama has a clear vision of what he'll accomplish in four years. If you agree with his principles like I do give him a vote.
Originally I supported Edwards and I sent his cause $50.00. I still get e-mails and letters pretty much every day from the Edwards camp...maybe I should let them know I've decided to back Obama.  
I urge everyone to get as much unbiased info as you can on the candidates and then make your decision. I've been a Democrat for about 30 years, but I would never support someone simply because they're a Democrat. Some Democrats are the same as conservative Republicans. I don't know why West Virginians re-elected Robert Byrd to be the current longest serving Democratic Senator: was it because he used to be in the Klan?
 
For unbiased info on all the candidates I  recommend the League of Women Voters. For years they have provided insight for anyone who wishes to be an informed voter.
 
One last thing I have to wonder will effect the election is the Nader effect. Did Bush win last time because Nader drew away enough Gore votes? Could the same thing happen this time - for either party?
Younger voters are now projected to make quite a difference in the vote - which ought to be good news for Obama. The money guys had their eight years of Bush: I honestly think Obama will best represent poor people and the middle class.  I'm Eric Svendsgaard and I approved this message.