Let me start by saying there are things that I like about Senator McCain. I feel he does tend to cross party lines in some instances. He has integrity, and his military service has been honorable. I do not think he should be the next president however because I disagree with many of his policies.

His choice for vice-president was not surprising because it was a woman, it is surprising because of the perceived motive behind it. The governor of Alaska is clearly a very intelligent woman, but I question and wonder if she is simply being used as a hand in a game of political poker.

The democrats did not purposely nominate a black man as their candidate to invoke racial sympathy, he simply won and just happened to give his speech on the anniversary of Dr. King’s memorable address. The republicans, however, perceivably chose the governor of Alaska to politically match one minority against another. It is also perceivably a pathetic attempt to woo Senator Clinton supporters with a “we have a woman too” approach.

Any moron with a sixth grade education can see through this pathetic political strategy. McCain, in my opinion, actually took the safe choice. Instead of choosing a more qualified vice-presidential candidate, he took the easy road so it would not look like the republican party is a group of old white guys. I expect more out of Senator McCain, who I like, than to not make this a closer battle. He should not have played political poker with a vice presidential choice. Choose who can help you to win, not who you feel looks like the better choice!

Even though he has played his hand, he still cannot beat the political policies, inspiration and leadership of Obama or the foreign policy experience of Biden. Senator McCain negated all of his arguments about Obama in one move and may have cost his party a true fight in this presidential race.

Pundits like Limbaugh and Hannity are only praising his choice because they want to do what they said the democrats can’t…unify the republican party. This was not a smart choice for McCain. When you take a gamble, sometimes you lose!

Both of these candidates have received criticism recently. Huckabee for his release of questionable prisoners, and Obama for his lack of connection to the black community. The latter I find the most appalling. In this country, it is amazing that a candidate stills has to deal with superficial criticisms instead of criticisms of the issues. The mere idea, that is unfortunately being perpetuated by so called black “leaders,” is ridiculous. Question his stance on the war, question his health care plan or his experience, but no one has the right to question his African American authenticity.

Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton of all people do not have this right. Obama spent years in the trenches as a community organizer in the inner city streets of Chicago. He has a results oriented reputation as it relates to African Americans and his political record shows he has always been sensitive to the concerns of the Black Community. Obama understands one of the most important principles of a presidential candidate, a true African American candidate must represent all Americans.

There can be no color lines for a president. I wouldn’t want a white president to only focus on issues important to that community no more than I want a black candidate to. To say he is not black enough really shows the accusers are not mature enough to distinguish racial loyalty from racial progression.

Racial loyalty means you stay in the “black box” or side with your race no matter if it progresses the community as a whole or not, hence Jesse and Al. Racial progression however, means a person knows their race, but still takes a stance to advance the plight of the race as a whole by getting involved in main stream initiatives. All races are advanced in American when balanced representation is sought and individuals in that race realize the importance of working with all.

Because of his democratic affiliation, he is accused of not being conservative enough and because of his race, he is accused of being not black enough? Who wrote the book on blackness? Obama represents racial progression whether he wins or not. The same so called leaders of the black community that are criticizing him are ignoring the fact this is the first time there has been an African American candidate in the presidential race that has a true chance of winning.

I am glad he is unconventional and forward thinking. Blacks are not a monolithic people.