It's a chance I've got to take

(A.K.A. Why I Can’t Vote For McCain)

At first glance during the last debate McCain reminded me of my grandpa – specifically, he walked like my grandpa and was stiff like my grandpa. I felt compassion and respect for an older, experienced, world-worn man. Then, when he leaned on the railing by the audience in an attempt to be friendly, I felt uncomfortable, turned off. I’m almost certain this is not a normal gesture for him; his coaching team probably asked him to do it. (Incidentally, my grandpa would also lean into strangers, and they rarely leaned away. He was genuine.)

And as the questions rolled on, I found that McCain only answered in generalities. Telling us he had the answer, he can fix everything. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Trust me, go to sleep...

But it was Obama who gave concrete, specific, and detailed answers. Obama told us that everything is not ok – and this is a point I definitely agree with.

One question that sticks with me is the one on sacrifices. What kind of sacrifices should we be expected to make in these trying times? Without going back and watching the debate – did McCain say we should drill offshore? Whereas Obama actually talked about what a sacrifice might be (and that does not include increased shopping as Bush urged us to do after 9/11).

I believe Obama (and Biden) will bring change. I believe they both have the intelligence, the energy, and the ability to start change. People comment that Obama is in-experience compared to McCain – but I’d rather have new ideas try and fail, than to keep repeating the old mistakes.

Whereas Obama is man of today’s world – ready (even excited) to take on new challenges, McCain is confined by his past experiences and relatonships, and this inhibits him to true change.

If voting for Obama is a chance - I am ready to take it.