I don't really feel like coding tonight and am switching between the Debate and football. I figured I'd jot down some thoughts, as I still have NO idea who I'm going to vote for. I considering myself more Republican, am not a fan of the current president (but don't have a "hate" for him) and only am/got to see the Democrat debate (which only had Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Richardson). What I am and have been trying to do is take all the contenders and basically "eliminate" one by one. If they have certain policies I just can't get on board for, say some things that I just can't get on board with, etc. Continued for Breakdown... John Edwards - #1 If I had to pick a democrat for president it would have to be Edwards at this point. I'm not totally sold but was VERY impressed tonight. I agree heavily with some of his points such as the middle class being in extreme trouble and fighting insurance companies and big corporations. We have tried to "work" with all these juggernauts and it has NEVER worked. I disagree with some of his policies but just have to have him as #1 on my Democrats list so far. He is a GREAT talker and debater, he focuses on his issues without seeming to divert off-topic, doesn't shy away from attacking without seeming savage (to me) and just seems authentic. Bill Richardson - #2
A guy you would think would be, ordinarily a top tier candidate, when he is actually #4. He is not one I consider as a real possibility as I do disagree with quite a bit of his policies, #1 being withdraw from Iraq in 1 year. He is actually experienced, is smart and has some good ideas. However that's where the positives end. He is a weak speaker, I think and his biggest policies I disagree with. However I might add, I like how "true" he is. He's honest, heck he just admitted a mistake that he said in a previous debate his favorite supreme court justice "didn't really support civil liberties", funny moment. Hillary and Obama seem to avoid questions and just don't seem authentic to me.
Hillary Clinton - #3
I really only take a candidate off my list unless they do a lot/say a lot that I don't like. I don't like Hillary, think she is an absolute fake (I can laugh at jokes, but when she jokes it just "feels" fake), I disagree with some of her positions and her shtick of "Bush, Bush, Bush" gets old. Essentially not a possibility, but not out for me. She's smart, has some things I can agree with and a great speaker. But more bad than good, for me. The main thing I don't like about her is that she is the farthest thing from one that would try and "unify". She can't miss a topic without talking about real bad republicans. Barack Obama - #4 To me, my "likeness" of him being president has gone down more and more. Hillary had a great line: "Words are not action. And as beautifully presented and as passionately felt as they are, they are not action." And I can't disagree with that. Obama is good word wise, very smart but simply his experience is practically "null" and I think most people are tired of politicians "words", no matter how good they are at it and want "action". I disagree with some points and some of his positions. He just seems to be much less impressive. He avoids questions, is not a good debater and has the Clinton syndrome of talking "bad republicans" and "Bush, Bush, Bush". I think it puts off undecided, independents and republicans that could make a switch. Either people like Bush or they don't. If all you can do is talk about Bush's mistakes, it certainly gets on my nerves. His line that the reason the surge worked is because the Tribes got on board (true) because...wait for it...because they saw the Democrats won control of Congress. I thought he was making a joke for a second there. | 
