After watching the conventions, I am completely on the fence still. However, I have come to the conclusion that McCain and Obama are just like the characters that Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington played in Crimson Tide. McCain/Hackman is the old school experienced hard ass and Obama/Denzel is the younger, less experienced and more intellectual of the two. LOL
Some pros and cons of the candidates (in alphabetical order of President and VP):
McCain Pros:
Experience. Clearly he is the most qualified from this standpoint.
Military Service: In the world we live in, this is definitely a plus.
Character: Can't question that.
Leadership: Natural leader.
Independent Thinker: Stands up to his own party which is refreshing.
McCain Cons:
Military Service: Yes, that's right. His entire family's military history is like that of Lt. Dan's from Forrest Gump. While this is EXTREMELY commendable and I highly respect it to the umpteenth degree, at the same time, it is a little concerning that he might turn into a war monger.
Speaking: He does fine with this, but pales in comparison to Obama (minor point however).
Decision Making: This is a pro and a con. He makes quick decisions which is a good thing, but sometimes it seems like he makes them too quickly. Picking Palin so quickly without really spending quality time with her is a prime example of this. Moreover, saying that he would pick the person most capable to take over if something happens to him either appears to be a lie or an example of horrific judgement based on that statement. (For the record, I'll go with the lie/speaking too early on that one as he obviously selected her for other reasons.)
Age: He will be the oldest person to ever be elected to the Presidency in the first term.
Health Issues: This is a serious concern. Is Palin really ready to take his place if necessary?
Obama Pros:
Experience: This is a pro in the sense that he isn't a "lifer" in Congress. Some new and fresh ideas would be welcome.
Character: I really believe that he is a man of good character as well. He was mocked for being a "Community Organizer." He became that while turning down the opportunity to clerk for the United States Supreme Court which is an IMMENSE honor. I think that speaks volumes about the man himself.
Leadership: He "leads" differently than McCain, but is also a natural leader.
Charisma: Obama is very charismatic which is extremely important in a leader. Reagan, Bill Clinton and Kennedy had similar qualities.
Intelligence: I believe he is the most intelligent of the 4 candidates.
Obama Cons:
Experience: He hasn't had an executive role which leaves a big question mark.
Assassination Possibility: Unfortunately, this is a very sad reality, but it needs to be accounted for. If he is taken out by some nut job, is Biden ready to be President?
Decision Making: While McCain seems to have a quick trigger, Obama seems to have an overly long trigger. The President may need to be able to make quick decisions under pressure.
Biden Pros:
Experience: He is much more ready and capable to be President in year one than Palin is. He has chaired both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee.
Wit: He actually cracks me up.