In VA we don't have to choose a party in the primary but we can only vote one party. What party we vote in the primary isn't what we have to vote in the general election. The Republicans tried to make it that way here this year I think (or maybe it was you had to be registered Republication to vote Republican) but fortunately it failed.
I have to say that for me this election has been interesting to watch - especially on the Democratic side. Either way it could have gone, it has been an historic event and kind of fun to know I was around to witness it and that my daughter's first election had an historic race.
As for Governor Palin, I was insulted when I heard she was Senator McCain's choice. To me, it is so transparent why he chose her. If he wanted a female running mate, there are so many more qualified Republican women out there. She just doesn't have enough experience to gain my vote. To try and cater to me as a female, well, the simple fact that she is a hockey mom isn't going to grab me. I'm more like Lorelai Gilmore without the rich parents than your stereo-typical suburban mom. And having been a teenage parent (first child was born when I was 17 and a high school senior), I was horrified that she would put her daughter through all of this media scrutiny. Being pregnant at 17 is hard enough to cope with, but to be thrust into the national spotlight on top it is going to mess with your head no matter how well adjusted you are. Yes, the media is wrong to focus on it beyond the initial announcement, but she is wrong to place her daughter out there in the first place. Very poor judgment in my book and yet another strike against her.
I'm leaning towards the Democratic ticket because I don't like what I'm hearing from the Republican. I don't think this country can take more of the same. Sad part is, I'm not confident the Democrats, while they may honestly try, will be able to make things much better.
Michelle
