Tami_Hughes' Blog

I was going to title this post "Will race matter?" but changed my mind because I already know the answer to that, the real question is how much.  People who say America isn't ready for a black president... well we're never ready until we're ready.  America wasn't ready for a black baseball player, but we were ready for Jackie Robinson. 

While I think the majority of America will not consider race when they cast their ballot, I can't help but wonder about how many people will.  I, unfortunately, grew up in a town in Southeastern Ohio where the 'n' word was not common, but not that rare.  I hate to admit, I have relatives who still use it today.  There is no diversity there, only white people.  Perhaps that makes me overly sensitive to the issue... others who were raised in a more diverse, tolerant climate may be less pessimistic, and rightly so.  

So here's the question- how big of a role will race be and will it be a decisive factor? 

I'm sure you've heard that McCain's choice for VP, Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin has announced her unmarried, 17-year-old daughter, is pregnant.  Obama said right away, "Family members are off limits!"  He says it's a non-issue, after all his mother had him when she was just 18.

So I ask- whether or not it's something the candidates discuss, which I'm sure they'll take the high road-- What do you, as voters, think about it?  Does it matter? 

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised... BUT.  I've noticed quite often that when I ask someone about the Presidential election, people are not quite excited as I am, and I'm a little surprised.  I hear things like "Oh, they all lie anyway, who cares?"  "They all say whatever to get eleced, I don't believe either of them!"  "I'm not voting for either one of them!"

I understand frustration with the political process, we have a lot invested in what happens, and we often get disappointed.  But when I look at the options this year- A first ever African American President, or now a woman Vice President- I think this is so exciting!  Am I just a delusional optimist?  I'm not a fan of the political ads, but I absorb what I can in interviews and on their websites, because I guess I feel a responsibility to know where the candidates stand-- and these two tickets are awfully different this year.

So I'm just wondering- Are you jaded, too?

I have to say, I covered John McCain's town hall meeting in Franklin earlier this summer.  I was impressed with the fact that he really seemed to give honest answers to those at the meeting- not just what he thought the person wanted to hear.  He's always seemed like a guy with a lot of integrity, UNTIL.... 

The recent barrage of ads he's aiming at Obama is pretty disappointing.  Comparing Obama to Britney Spears, and then Moses- really?  Blaming him for high gas prices- really?  I truly believed he was the one candidate who wasn't going to go that route.  I know he has to point out differences between he and Obama, but the attack ads are at a level that's beneath him.  Or so I thought.  What do you think?

It truly brought me to tears today when I heard of the sudden death of NBC journalist Tim Russert.  I can't recall ever feeling a personal loss over someone I've never even met, but Tim Russert was really one of a kind. 

I've blogged about this before, I've never been so captured by politics than I am now, and number one on that list is "Meet the Press" every Sunday morning.  It's "mommy's time" in my house.  I usually get up, feed my kids, then make them play together for an hour while mommy enjoys her coffee and watches her show.  It really is the only time of the week where I insist on time for myself, and of all the politcal shows, Russert on "Meet the Press" is unmatched.

I can honestly say, my Sunday mornings from now on will not be the same. Tim Russert, may he Rest in Peace.

I have always considered myself a news junkie (duh, I sortof have to be, right?)  But this election, I am certifiably a political junkie, too.  I can't get enough of the coverage, the campaigns, the polls; all of it.  So on Tuesday night I had my set on CNN the whole night.  I watched all three candidates give their speeches, listened to all the "experts" react on the panel, I couldn't look away. 

I just think this race has been fascinating... the first black to get the nomination, nearly the first female to do the same... and they would be facing a highly respected and well established Republican nominee in John McCain.  They are all so worthy of our respect and our vote.  I think no matter where you stand politically, this is a great election and I can't wait to see America get involved!

It's not looking good for her is it?  I know, she hasn't had odds on her side in quite awhile but she's running out of time and options.  It seems the only way for Hillary to get the nomination would be for her to do something pretty outrageous (i.e. throw the "kitchen sink" at Obama, etc.).  I also wonder, even if she has a case to make, like let's say she has the popular vote but not the delegate lead, and something happens-- would she lose the respect of democrats or even her suppporters in the process?  I'm not saying she should drop out, I just think it's an interesting topic... So, let's discuss!

Did Obama's speech this week at least make you start thinking about race in ways you hadn't before?  Did it make you have conversations you didn't have before?  One thing it opened my eyes to was the "black church".  Not that there is one kind of "black church"  but I've heard it referred to many times over the last week or two.  I've been to a few Baptist church services which have primarily black congregations, and boy was that a good time!  I really enjoyed the service, it wasn't like people were there because they felt like they had to be (maybe some)... People were singing, dancing, praising... didn't hear anything political at all.  The church in which I was raised, I have to admit... not very fun. 

That's the thing... many things about our cultures are different.  But I wish more people understood that just because our cultures or customs are different, doesn't mean we can't relate to one another or better yet, enjoy one another.  The differences shouldn't be ignored or shamed, they should be discussed and celebrated.  Whether you like Obama or not, whether he becomes our next president or not... I am glad he talked about it, and I hope you do too.

What do you think about the New York Times article?  I don't know if it's even fair to say it alleged he had an inappropriate relationship, because it didn't offer any real proof of that... but it quotes advisors and aides as saying they thought it could have been an inappropriate relationship, with a lobbyist.

Allegations of affairs aren't new to the Arizona Republican, but is that what this is?  Does it matter?  Do you believe it?  What are your thoughts?  Certainly the timing of the whole thing is interesting, huh?

I don't consider myself a political junkie by any means, but I'm very excited for the Iowa Caucus... here's why.  I'm tired of seeing all the polls about who's leading, who's trailing, etc.  Now we can finally get down to it and start to take action.

Whether democrat, republican, or other party affiliation, now is when the strong candidates will begin to emerge.  I'm not dissing GW, but I think America is ready for change.  Everyone has their own ideas on who should lead the way and I'm really excited to see the real political battle begin.  The only bad part is if your favorite candidate quits before Wisconsin even gets a say.  Like Tommy did this year, or Howard Dean back in '04.  I don't like "politics" but I do love the politcal process.

May the real debate begin!