I Am (Not) Against Barack Obama

The last months of blogging have introduced me to some truly frightening information on Barack Obama. The false rumors were bad. But the true ones, honestly, were worse.

Supporters of Hillary Clinton, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and other diverse candidates have all converged in the McCain uniserse with alarming Obama tales to tell. His friends. His pastor. His family. His on-again-off-again lapel pins. And I have to admit, it is very very tempting to post them all here, in their entirety, as a rather compelling portrait of someone who is, at best, a wild card, and at worst, an extremist loon.

BUT I won't. For two reasons. First, because over a million (rightfully) angry people are already doing this. And second, because undecided voters really are responding more favorably to McCain supporters proud of his record than to militant! Obama! Supporters! Who! Call! You! Nasty! Names! When! You! Question! Their! Candidate!!!!

In coming months, I will undoubtedly take Obama to task for poor judgment and issue positions which are not in America's best interests. I will point out where he is wrong and what his past record and future policies will mean for real Moms and families. But I will not rant and rave (or at least I'll try not to).

At the end of the day, I am not "against Barack Obama." I am against inexperience. I am against plagiarism, overt or subtle, of ideas which have been tried and failed. I am against double standards and wishy-washy politicians who try to have it both ways. I am against people who feel it necessary to cheat to win. I am against people who believe public service is their personal vehicle to shine, rather than an opportunity to humbly give back to a nation they love. I am against people who believe America owes them something, when in fact, for all of us who speak and live freely with roofs over our heads, the opposite is true.

I am FOR John McCain. I am FOR the guy who had his arms and legs broken, was tortured daily, and chose to stay in those conditions because of his duty to others. I am FOR the guy who values his own military sons' safety more highly than the political desirability their service could bring to his campaign. I am FOR the guy who cares more about doing what's right than getting elected. I am FOR the guy whose campaign has less money because he wouldn't kiss the butt of big business, extremist leaders, or other pork-seeking special interests.

It is important that those of us who are passionate about McCain keep the spotlight on HIM. It has been said that there is no such thing as bad publicity, and Obama's name is everywhere. But every debate over Obama's cousin's brother's church in Africa is one less story about what McCain *will* do in office - veto wasteful spending, lower gas prices through responsible alternatives, strengthen morale and effectiveness of our military, and represent America with pride around the world. Our country's safety and strength matter more than anyone's lapel pin or shady friends.

So readers, I pledge to you today: I will not spread lies about Barack Obama. Because the truth is scary enough.