Over and over you will hear how this election is "too close to call," and a "toss-up." You are also hearing and reading the pundits claim that something is wrong because Obama isn't ahead by 20 or more points. Well, the fact of the matter is that Obama is doing very well in the polling, but that should not allow us here in CA to sit back and assume that this election is in the bag.

First of all, here is a great article on the upcoming election, which analyzes the political territory:

While no election outcome is guaranteed and McCain's prospects could improve over the next three and a half months, virtually all of the evidence that we have reviewed--historical patterns, structural features of this election cycle, and national and state polls conducted over the last several months--point to a comfortable Obama/Democratic party victory in November. Trumpeting this race as a toss-up, almost certain to produce another nail-biter finish, distorts the evidence and does a disservice to readers and viewers who rely upon such punditry. Again, maybe conditions will change in McCain's favor, and if they do, they should also be accurately described by the media. But current data do not justify calling this election a toss-up.

On a personal note, as I watched Obama speak overseas yesterday the contrast of an Obama presidency versus Bush/McCain could not be more clear. When Bush goes overseas he is met with protests, he does not speak in front of crowds, rather he is only able to address small gatherings of hand picked individuals (actually that is the same as when he is here).

Contrast that image with the flag waving, American cheering crowd that showed up to greet Obama. The choice is clear for us as Americans, to once again become a beacon of light in the world by electing Obama as our president, or to continue the erosion of our place in the world by electing McCain.

Do all you can to help elect Obama, there are opportunities for you to help register voters, make calls to swing states and if possible send a small donation to our Democratic nominee. Together we can, and we will, remove the tarnish of the last eight years.

*The following statement is offensive, and please be aware that the writer of this post is repeating this as a means to expose the person who made this statement.

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Because her father is Janet Reno."

So, who do you think made this statement? As a bit of background, this statement was made at a GOP fund raising dinner in 1998, this was not an spur of the moment joke, it was presented as part of a prepared speech.

Who, who would be so rude, so vile, so absolutely without any concern for the feelings of a child, who would this person be? If you guess Rush Limbaugh, you are wrong. And no, it wasn't Hannity. No, it wasn't any of the right wing talking heads, nope.

The person who made this statement? Senator John McCain.

In 1998 Chelsea Clinton was 18 years old, a young adult who had endured horrific, vile attacks from the far right before, but this, this is different. The person who uttered these words wants Americans to trust him to be president, he wants people to elect him based on his ability to make decisions. If there is ANY example of why this man has no ability to make good decisions, let this be the prime example.

McCain read this statement from a prepared speech, he knew the joke was in there, he thought it was perfectly fine, funny even, to make this statement. McCain had the opportunity to remove this statement, to show that he did have good judgment, but instead he choose to utter those absolutely vile words.

Chelsea Clinton is a beautiful young woman, she is smart, vivacious, she is self assured, a great communicator (like her father and mother), and she is a shinning example to all of the young adults in our nation.

If you haven't already guessed, I am outraged beyond words. And I can tell you this, I will do all I can to make sure that our Democratic nominee becomes the next President of the United States.

GO HILLARY! GO OBAMA!