While we follow the tale of “Joe the Plumber,” a voter the McCain campaign decided to shove into the spotlight and use as a device, the absurdity of it all just boggles the rational mind. Forget for a moment that the Republican’s new icon should probably be worried less about his taxes going up, and more worried about paying the back taxes he’s got a lien on his house for.

I know campaigning for President is hard, trying to reach all the different flavors of voters, but the Republicans have forgotten the lesson they learned from Bill Clinton. Remember “It’s the economy, stupid?”

I do.

Apparently, they don’t. Who cares about taxes right now? McCain had the perfect opportunity to present himself as the experienced statesman who can guide us through this potentially world-changing crash, but missed.

At this point, I’m sadly starting to prepare myself mentally for the disaster an Obama Presidency will be. If the Republicans win, it will only be through the sad racism that still exists in too great measure. I don’t think Obama is the right choice, and I disappointed that I have to vote against the first black Presidential candidate because of his politics and lack of experience. A couple years ago, I was hoping to have the opportunity to cast a vote for Colin Powell, but that didn’t play out. That being said, I wouldn’t vote FOR a candidate because he’s black anymore than I’d vote AGAINST one for the same reason. Unfortunately, in this election, a vote against Obama is going to be seen by a lot of people as a vote agains THE black man, rather than a vote against A black man.

We’ve got a long way to go.