I'm Jessica, and I Approved This Message

Alright, here it goes. I've been mulling throughout the afternoon on the best way to approach this topic. Do I keep it short and sweet, and just tell you who I'm voting for and why? Do I start with a history of the evolution of my core values since high school (which, sadly, is the last time I spoke to some of you)? Do I assume that you can reasonably guess which side I take on the major hot topics or do I explain each issue in detail? Do I discuss the candidates as they are, or do I tell you why I originally liked Obama and why I really wanted Fred Thompson or Mitt Romney to be the Republican nominee? Ahhhhh - decisions!! My head already hurts from the fierce cough and allergic drainage I've been fighting for 2 weeks (just when I'd gotten used to the terrible Augusta air, I had to move and adapt to a whole new set of allergens!)

I think, for the purposes of this topic, I'm going to try to keep the discussion to the situation as it is: Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin. I'm open to more detailed analysis of my personal views and/or the other major players, so feel free to ask. Most of you already know my political standing, but for those of you who don't, I am Christian first, Conservative second, and Republican third. (If you happen to disagree with me on any or all of those positions, I'm cool being friends anyway if you are :) I'll go into more detail on why I have new energy and excitement for the Republican ticket in the next post. For now, I have two words to describe Sarah Palin: Love. Her.

If you missed her speech last night, you can catch an encore presentation here: http://portal.gopconvention2008.com/speech/details.aspx?id=38 This link will take you to the text, which is great, but take the time to watch the video feed - it was phenomenal, and you can get the humor much better! (I also recommend Mayor Guiliani and Governor Romney's speeches as well - also available at that site). It's funny how last week, I had no idea who Sarah Palin was, and now I just want to listen to her talk all day long. More on that (and the Democratic ticket) later - right now, I'm tired and don't feel well.

For now, I will leave you with my favorite highlights from last night.

Jessica's Favorite RNC Wednesday Night Quotes:

5.) "...On the other hand, you have a resume from a gifted man with an Ivy League education. He worked as a community organizer, and immersed himself in Chicago machine politics. Then he ran for the state legislature - where nearly 130 times he was unable to make a decision yes or no. He simply voted "present." (Rudy Guiliani, referring to Obama)

4.) "Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities." (Sarah Palin)

3.) "While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay." (Sarah Palin)

2.) "And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.... This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot - what exactly is our opponent's plan?" (Sarah Palin)

1.) "To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House." (Sarah Palin)