Homelessness is a critical challenge for our society.

Thom Hartmann (Air America syndicate) spoke to a very real statistic.  Since 1967, the cost of housing has risen 800% while the average wage has risen from $36K to $49K.  This fact alone demonstrates the difficulty in afforable housing, especially for the working poor.

That being said, I'm not sure that Edwards is tough enough to withstand the kind of attack campaiging that we have witnessed used by the GOP in the past two elections.  Literally, the GOP has a parrot like Ann Coulture referring to Edwards as a "faggot" (sorry, I'm quoting) which, unfortunately garners opposition votes in many ultra-conservative states.

John Kerry didn't fight back.  At the time, I suggested he was "taking the high road".  Unfortunately, "the high road" doesn't win presidential campaigns anymore and we'll be stuck with the same kind of leadership as we've seen for the past 7 years until there is a Democratic candidate that is willing to roll in the mud a bit.

Hillary Clinton IS a fighter, no question.  I would almost welcome the attacks from the Conservatives about her previous marital difficulties, so that her campaign could demonstrate what a couple does when difficulty hits - they work it out.  Take a look at the opposition - does Guiliani have any place talking about marriage?  Huckabee would be exposed as a hypocrite for not extolling the virtue of any woman that "turned the other cheek", as would Romney (I think Romney's own party will do him in.  Evangelicals don't take kindly to Mormons).  That leaves John McCain.  I don't see McCain getting the national support needed for a nomination.  Hillary Clinton CAN and WILL stand up to the kind of campaigning that you might see on behalf of these candidates.  (Attn:  Ron Paul fans.  Paul will go third party and make the Dems a cakewalk in 2008)

Barrack Obama is wonderful and charismatic.  He is unifying part of our country like no one since JFK.  Unfortunately, he will be viciously attacked on name similarity alone (Obama/Osama).  Again, this silly type of thing actually garners opposition votes.  I watching to see how he plays out during the run up to the Convention.  There is no question that he is in our future as a leader of our country.

The best part of the Democratic race for the nomination is that I see a group of great leaders that could put together a solid Administration, once the sparring gloves are removed, that can lead our country back to its former position in the world.

Yes, I'm voting Democratic for the Presidential race in 2008.

First of all, VOTE! Rob Richards, just what do you mean by saying, “If you must vote . . .” No-one is going to force me to vote. But I have a right to vote. I’m an American!

Frankly, the only thing likely to keep me from voting in the primary is if I have to sign that I’m a member of a particular party, etc. which I think is inappropriate for a government-run election. But that’s another story. I definitely plan to vote in the final election.

I encourage any and all of you who are legally entitled to vote to do so. (I also respect those who make a conscientious decision not to, although I disagree with them. )There may be no perfect choices for president. Do a little research. Pick the one you think would be best of the choices available, and vote for him/her.

I can tell you frankly, I’ve voted for people I’m not crazy about because they seemed like the best choice I had. I may make mistakes sometimes. (That’s what happens when humans make choices.) But I’m a part of the process. Whether you like John Edwards or somebody else or really don’t like anyone but think some are worse than others, vote your conscience!

I don’t have a problem with the existence of government, just with some of the things it does.