My mom always told me never to bring up religion or politics, as you were sure to offend someone. With 92,000+ Active Rain members, I have no doubt that she was right. However, this year we are facing the single most controversial and interesting election of my lifetime. As such, I am curious to hear the thoughts of others on who they are voting for, hoping for, believing in and why. What compels you to vote the way you do?

Will we have a black man elected to the highest office in the land? Will a woman accompany him as Vice-President? If McCain wins, what direction might that take our country? Do you think anyone can really make a significant difference? Is there any power in the office of "Presidency" left or is the control really in the hands of Congress? I hate to say that I have lost faith in the system or the ability of one person to really affect the outcome of years of bad decisions, but it's true. It's going to take more than fast- talking politicians to get me on board at this stage of the game. Even if I were to buy in to the rhetoric, there's the issue of the voting? Does anyone really trust the system we currently have in place? After Florida, I sure don't. Regardless of, there is a part of me that wants to believe in change, in the power of the people, in righting what is wrong.

If that's possible, how do we accomplish it? Do we have candidates who are qualified, ready or able to lead this country through the next 4-8 years? Do you believe in them? What are your concerns for this election? How will the changes in Washington inevitably affect the real estate industry? As we face some of the most serious issues of our time, I personally want to see progress made on issues like the current energy crisis, universal health care, homeland security, the Iraqi war, immigration and gun control, issues I care deeply about. I don't want to hear what your campaign manager drummed up to sound good at a press conference, I want to personally BELIEVE you.

I guess that's what's missing for me. The BELIEVABILITY factor. The part where you just know in your knower that you have the right person for the job. I think all of the candidates have some really great attributes BUT I haven't seen any one yet that has the whole package.... smarts, sensibility, experience, guts, loyalty, leadership, charisma, character and strength. Until I do... I guess I'll be writing in Jesse Ventura. Is it too late to get him on the ticket?

What it really comes down to is that I want to vote for someone I know is real. I want my vote to go to someone who shares  the same concerns and fears that I have.  I want my vote to count. Controversial or not, I want to know what you think. What can a candidate do or say to get your vote? In the year 2008, who's getting it done and who's not?