I didn’t attend McCain/Palin rally this morning in Virginia Beach for two reasons. The first is that I, like so many, actually had to be at work today (even though it is Columbus Day). The second reason is that I am not an undecided voter, and my attendance would show that either I was undecided or was a supporter of McCain. I didn’t want to add to the number that will be reported.

I did, however, catch McCain’s remarks over at WashingtonPost.com. I’d admit that there were moments while reading that I was impressed and even moved. However, most of the speech was a grocery list of promises that I don’t believe he will be able or willing to fulfill once in office. There is an inconsistency in his message when he rails against government spending and borrowing from other nations, while also not providing a vision for our departure from Iraq. He rails against Obama’s business tax plan (while again not specifying that only the top 5% would actually have their taxes increase in Obama’s plan) and compared him to Hoover when he should look at his party’s refusal to raise taxes to fund Bush’s war. It just doesn’t work.

I also want to note something about McCain’s statement that we need a president who will not study out the issues, but one who will act immediately. There is something very unsettling in this statement. I would actually rather a president who approaches every situation with caution and conscience rather than one who would fly by the seat of his pants because he feels he already knows the best course, from day one. Isn’t this strategy the same used by Clinton to create the perception of experience? I don’t remember it resonating too well then either.

Something I don’t remember when Obama came to town were protesters. There seemed to be plenty a few at the McCain rally, which seems to be such an often occurrence that Sarah Palin can’t tell the difference between protesters and supporters anymore.

I’m not sure if the protesters were a good or bad thing. While I think it’s great there were people out there showing their support for McCain’s opposition, I think it fuels the division that our nation doesn’t need.

There’s a lot of controversy over how Virginia will vote on November 4th. Looking at the polls, it seems that Obama could end up winning Virginia. If he does, it would be the first time Virginia was won by a Democrat in over forty years. Currently, Obama is over 6 points up above McCain according to Real Clear Politics, who also projects an general Obama win with 277 electoral votes. This is all based on polling, so take it with a grain of salt.

Thanks to those commenting who have clarified the events of the day and for reminding me of my responsibility as a blogger

Related posts:

1. Virginia Beach City Council ponders taxes, fees
2. A Year of Virginia Beach Progressives
3. Become a fan of Virginia Beach Progressives