Six months ago, when I looked at the candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination, I was as thrilled as preacher at a Sunday buffet. Obama. Clinton. Edwards. Sure there were differences, but all three were strong candidates, and shoo-ins to win the presidency. I could no more imagine not voting in November than I could imagine taking a weekend trip to Pluto. Now look at the mess we Democrats are in.

So, I’m starting my own campaign. Stick to the Issues or Get Out! My campaign is not aimed at any particular candidate. Rather, it is my way of saying that personal attacks and strategies designed to focus on irrelevancies will guarantee only one thing: that a candidate who becomes the Democratic nominee this way won’t get my vote. I’ll be busy come election day.

Issues that I want to hear about:
1) The economy and what the plan is for giving the poor a hand-up and revitalizing the middle class.

2) Education. What’s the plan for addressing our unacceptable high school drop-out rate. What ideas does the candidate have to make higher education more affordable.

3) Iraq. What’s the plan for the future there? A precipitous withdrawal would likely be disasterous, but it makes little sense to continue to throw billions of dollars at a warthat should have never been started.

4) Health care. I’d like someone to really push a reasonable plan that immediately provides preventative health care to everyone. I’d like to hear some innovative thinking about how to address the larger issue of providing diagnostic and treatment to everyone if not free, at an affordable rate.

5) Taxes. Our system is horribly out of whack. Why should some lower middle class, single mother pay more taxes than a multinational corporation?

That’s just my short list. I know that from time-to-time the candidates do talk on these issues, but I’m sick of hearing about Rev. Wright. I’m sick of hearing about shooting in duck blinds.

If you agree with this, pass this message along to other bloggers and friends. Let’s get our own campaign underway.

I’ve been lurking back and forth for the past two months…now I KNOW you’re gonna post after tonight!!

I heard nothing about this until now! A New Shirley Chisolm!

Hmmmm. Now imagine a presidential debate with both Kuchinich and McKinney. If “they” “let” her on it would be very, very interesting.

I’d like to see the Green Party run someone besides Nader—I don’t think a party should be built on a single person. That said, McKinney doesn’t strike me as the best choice.

Wow, that is cool!! I wonder how she will do in primaries? I can’t wait to see.