Lets Have Some Perspective

This presidential campaign is amazing. With all of the latest soundbites, ads, interviews, and debates streaming into our heads, I think it helps to take a step back and admire what a crazy run this is.

It all starts with Bush. George Bush has had a very low approval rating, for various reasons. After such a disparaging run for the republican Bush, many said that a democrat would likely easily win in 2008.

So how did Bush shape the election?

The democrats elected one of the most liberal senator who was willing. Obama can clearly be seen as the opposite of Bush. On the other side the republicans elected McCain, who is very much in the center compared to many of the other possible nominees. The fact that the republicans chose a "maverick" instead of a plat-former speaks volumes about this election. The republicans simply were not confident that a very conservative pick could face the democrats, considering Bush.

So how have these picks played out? Obama is leading in the polls, but this was to be expected. Still, the credit does not all go to Bush's low approval. The fact that this election is still winnable for McCain proves that McCain is still a formidable opponent despite Bush.

This is where things get muddy, and only speculation can follow.

Obama is ahead by about 9% according to many polls. Is this 9% a product of Bush? Did Bush actually move people off their party platforms, or only move some independents? Is the 9% all the work of Obama? Is it the fault of McCain? Or perhaps Obama would have an even greater lead if not for McCain?

These are questions that we may never get the answers to. However, I think it helps to remember where we have been, and how it is affecting our choices today. One thing is clear to me, in my own opinion. McCain was absolutely the best choice the republicans could have made. McCain is definitely a worthy opponent, and perhaps only someone like Obama could ever have a lead this big.