Julia's first President

I was thinking more about the historic nature of Barack Obama's election, and something not just amazing, but profoundly moving, occurred to me.

I was born in 1970. The first president I have any real memory of is Gerald Ford.

Julia was born in 2004. The first president she will have any memory of is Barack Obama. A black man as president will be standard for her, where it is historic for all of us. I hope that in her lifetime she sees other "first" presidents, beginning with the first woman.

This is truly a moment in history.

The conservative case for Obama

Christopher Buckley's cogent piece in The Daily Beast on why he's voting for Obama, perfectly sums up my feelings about the recent election season.

I started off undecided, but pleased that it was because I felt there were two strong candidates from which to choose, both of whom would make stronger, better presidents than the one we have now. As an ex-Arizonan, I had long admired John McCain's principles in fighting for what he believed in.

So it has made it that much more dismaying to watch his baffling disintegration (and the less said about Sarah Palin, the better). I would have voted for him in 2000. I can't vote for him now. I am putting my trust and support in Barack Obama. (Sorry, Grandpa. I guess that leaves me out of the will.)

But no matter who wins in November, the road ahead is fraught with challenge. The new president will assume a heavy mantle in difficult times, like -- to varying degrees -- FDR or Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton. I hope we can all agree it will take this nation pulling together to come out stronger at the other side.

Dear John McCain:

An Obama attack ad with Britney Spears in it? Really?

Come on, you can do better than that.

You have legitimate policy differences with Sen. Obama, but your message is drowned out by the silly celebrity swipe.

Tell us, the voters, not just what's wrong with Obama, but how you're better -- and why. Bring back the maverick who has famously made both voter friends and political enemies by voting his conscience and not just his party line. Let people decide whether they agree with *you* and what *you* stand for.

And if you're going to be snide in an ad, be funny. We know you can do it.