To My American Friends

About 10 months ago, I got curious about the US presidential election and decided to watch the Youtube Democratic Debate on, where else, Youtube. I was mostly curious about this Barack Obama guy who seemed to think he had a chance of getting elected President. Go figure.
That's when I got hooked. Literally, I became more and more interested in the issues, the messages, but most of all, I got hooked on his speeches. For about a week after that first debate, I tried to search as many of his speeches, and thought, wow, what an amazing orator, and what a shame he wont make it.
Well, ever since, like so many other people on the planet, I've been following the elections on a daily basis. Maybe it's the PR in me, but I love listening to the "pundits" and the media, and the coverage of coverage of the media, and the flip flops, and the key talking points, and well, everything I can get my eyes on on Youtube (still don't have a TV yet). And more and more, I realised this guy had a real shot. And that was even before the hockey mom came on the scene.
I am disgusted by some of the comments made by media, the bias and the lack of professionalism, and I am in disbelief about the level of ignorance of some Americans. But I do think that, if anything, this has brought out the best and the worst of America, and all of it will be on record. And that, is a good thing.
The primaries with talks of the winds of Iowa, caucusses, delegates and superdelegates seems like such a thing of the past, and when people said Hillary and Obama were going negative, who would have thought it was really a walk in the park? Every day, I admit, I check the latest media coverage of the campaign, and I just cannot believe the kind of trashy, low-class and dishonorable campaign the McCain-Palin ticket are running.
I also managed to make it through the 7 seasons of West Wing, which has really been helpful in understanding the ins and outs of US politics. It's funny, but a lot of times, I have a feeling this election is a carbon copy of the West Wing drama. Don't you think? I mean especially with the Republicans trailing behind, the minority Democratic candidate, the old vs. young.
Anyway, despite the fact that the Republicans have not a leg to stand on, I still cannot say that I am completely sure that they won't win. Which is what has prompt me to write this post:

Please vote for Barack Obama!
I think this is probably the time that people all over the world wished they were Americans. And I don't think that's happened in a long, long time. Imagine that: If only the rest of the world could vote. I actually don't think it's such a crazy notion, after all, we will all be affected one way or another by what happens on November 4th. So, for all of you Americans out there, please, please think about it and vote. Coulda, shoulda, woulda is just not acceptable.
Now get off and vote! Obama 08!