I've tried to stay out of this as much as possible, but I can't help myself any longer. There are many people on this forum whose opinions I respect, but some I can't. At least, not those views that are political. For those who think McCain is not perfect, I state this right now: I AGREE.

However...

For those who support Obama, I humbly offer a few observations. First, consider that Obama is the junior Senator from Illinois. Prior to that he was a "community organizer." (I can hear it now...Obama graduated from Harvard!
Congrats...but GWB graduated from Yale. So which is better?)
OK, just what has Obama done that qualifies him for the presidency? His supporters love to paint Sarah Palin as unqualified for the VICE Presidency. Maybe so. But in all fairness, at least she held some elected offices, including that of GOVERNOR. I do find it interesting that they don't publicly proclaim Senator McCain as unqualified for the presidency.
I might remind the Democrats that their beloved Bill Clinton had only the experience as a governor (of the small state of Arkansas: my home) prior to assuming the presidency. (I would also remind you as you point out the economic benefits under his tenure that he had the benefit of "serving" as President under a largely Republican-controlled Congress.)
Unfortunately, Obama's supporters conveniently ignore his lack of experience. So just what qualifies him for the presidency? (Other than the desire to see George W gone?)

Really, what has he done?

Those of us of a certain age (I'm 48) remember the last Democratic candidate expected to lead us out of an economic downturn following a Republican presidency: Jimmy Carter.

Who fixed the deep mess that Carter left us? Ronald Reagan.

It's fortunate for Obama that a record number of young voters are registered. It's unfortunate for those of us who want to work for a living and keep what we earn that these young voters who weren't alive during the late 70's have such a poor grasp of recent history that anything pre-iPod doesn't register with them. ( If you think I'm wrong, just watch an episode of Jaywalking on the Tonight Show. Scary.)
Those of us who remember former President Carter also remember the 20% mortgage rates that damn near totally killed our economy -- and the embarrassing foreign affairs fiascoes that temporarily emasculated the country. Let's not forget that the success of the Iranian hostage situation helped cultivate the belief among terrorists that they could strike us without fear. Don't believe me? Remember the ugly Somalia incident immortalized in film as "Black Hawk Down"? That was in 1993, under Clinton's watch. Did our response to that teach anyone not to mess with the US? Of course not.
OK, I digress. But the point is that an ineffectual can't-we-just-talk-it-out Commander In Chief will embolden those who wish to see the US fall. It's that simple. The world stage is not an episode of The View. The fact is that there will always be leaders and other powerful citizens of foreign countries who have their own agendas to push. Agendas which will be better served without the US in the way. It's not being imperialistic to merely defend our own interests.

So, back on topic again, please tell me...exactly what has Obama accomplished as junior Senator from Illinois that makes him so qualified to be President? What bills has he sponsored with any other real support? What important committees has he served on and made a meaningful contribution to? Anyone...Anyone? My apologies to younger readers who may not remember this allusion to the scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off from 1986.

Here's a relevant bit of info on the bills he's sponsored recently. Obama's Senate Record: 110th Congress

Anyone see anything of real importance there? I sure don't. Also, look into Obama's association with William Ayers, an admitted domestic terrorist who bombed multiple targets as part of the Weather Underground, and who stated that his only regret was that he had not bombed more. Look into the association with the "reverend" Jeremiah Wright. (Sorry, I can't bring myself to capitalize "reverend" when referring to someone who is the moral equivalent of a KKK leader.) And look at the contributions that Obama has pulled in through the years from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Can you honestly think this is only a Republican issue? Don't kid yourselves. Obama sucked in a LOT of dollars from the mortgage industry well before the collapse. PLEASE read this and other related information:Obama's Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Connection-Truth!

Then judge for yourselves. But before you are too quick to embrace "change", ask yourselves if it really is change for the better -- or even change at all. It is my opinion that Obama is merely a demagogue -- the (somewhat) sanitized 21st century version of Huey P. Long.

If you want to argue with me, I probably won't reply. Seriously. I realize that many of you have decided who you are going to vote for, and reason and factual information won't matter. Fine; that's your choice in a free country. However, don't try to rebut my statements UNLESS you cite factual sources. Don't give me opinions without any supporting facts. I can't debate/educate everyone out there, and I am not interested in doing so. In reality, I am VERY far from a political animal. I simply find it hard to believe that we are at this point..