October 2008

I'm not really afraid of John McCain, but I wanted to offer a counter viewpoint to that of my colleague, Peter Mallory. I believe McCain is sincere and his experience for the presidency is not in question. But what really bothers me about McCain is that he really doesn't stand for anything, except for campaign finance reform. He touts himself as the outsider -- the maverick -- but his record in Washington really does mirror that of George W. Bush. Obama says his candidacy is about "change" and that is what this country sorely needs. Let's face it; even if McCain pulls the upset Tuesday, he's going to butt heads with the likes of liberal Democrats Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barney Frank. Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama carries great weight because it shows Obama's partisan appeal. Working with the other side will ease the political gridlock of Capitol Hill.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- There were several prominent public officials spotted at Friday's visit to the Woman's Club of New Smyrna Beach by Jill Biden, wife of Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden.

Spotted in the overflow crowd of nearly 300 on a steamy Friday afternoon was New Smyrna Beach City Manager John Hagood. Standing with the VIPs in the back room was New Smyrna Beach City Commissioner Lynne Plaskett.

Among the contingent in the security detail was New Smyrna Beach police Sgt. Eugene Griffith.

EDGEWATER -- Three dogs perished when a family's garage at 1581 Boyce Circle caught fire Oct. 19, Edgewater Fire DEepartment officials reported.

Upon arrival that Sunday night , the crew of Engine 57 found a detached garage, 200 feet from the main residence, fully engulfed in flames, said Lt. Jill Danigel, also the department's fire marshal.

The fire was quickly extinguished and no damage occurred to the home.

Can you imagine actively applying for a job every day for more than 700 days?

That is what John McCain and Barack Obama are doing. It has to be a tremendous stress and strain, emotionally, physically, and mentally. Just imagine traveling throughout the entire country day in and day out, making speeches, shaking hands, kissing babies, and eating on the run.

Imagine the amount of planning for all these appearances, the amount of supporters involved, the incredible million of dollars for publicity. It is amazing that a campaign can be organized and conducted so efficiently.