For weeks I’ve scoffed at Sarah Palin supporters who say they like her because she’s “like them.” The obvious rejoinder is, “don’t you want someone who’s BETTER than you to be a heartbeat away from being President?” But this morning the brick hit me on the head, and I realized that I’ll be excited if Obama wins, because by and large, he’s the candidate that’s “most like me.” That’s not why I’m voting for him (I hope). I’m voting for him because I think he has the best judgment, the most discipline, and the superior collection of advisors surrounding him. But those are observations and calculations, not emotions. The emotional part of my support for Obama comes from identifying with his education, his way of talking, his way of carrying himself, etc. It is hubris, to be sure, for me to say Obama is “like me,” but I can certainly aspire, just as certain hockey moms may aspire to combine Sarah Palin’s energy, good looks, and love of high school hockey.

So I no longer scoff at that particular tendency, and I simply content myself with my conviction that Obama/Biden will make a far better administration than McCain/Palin. And I hope that behind certain people’s desire to have a beer or shoot a moose with Palin, there is at least a belief (however misguided, in my opinion) that she could make a capable…sorry, I can’t even finish the sentence.

But whatever your emotions, whatever your convictions, now is the time to do your last minute homework, and get out and vote.

Cast your vote for President. It’s the most momentous presidential election in decades.

Cast your vote for your Senators and Representatives (if you have them - I live in our nation’s unrepresented capital).

Cast your vote for your mayors and city council members. They have more direct influence over your lives than national officials, and don’t skimp on your homework here. Don’t just vote for the recognizable name. Find out what the candidates stand for.

Cast your votes for school boards, for and against ballot measures.

Cast your vote to express yourself.

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