Finish line dead ahead

In politics, especially at election time, a fortnight can be an eternity -- or a blink of the eye -- depending upon how far up or down the polls are going. We have certainly become somewhat less than enchanted when we hear again and again from the four major players in this one. Their "stump speeches" are delivered to apparently supercharged audiences, some of which have displayed elements little short of criminal forming an eager mob. Others bordering on boredom have bought a quick flip of the remote TV tool. There's going to be a spell of welcome silence from the big tube when the votes are all counted. (To say nothing of a score of unread journals and magazines which somehow got pre-empted by televised events such as three sub-stellar "debates").

Given the unreliability of the several polls and their interpretation by pundits waving wands over so-called "electoral vote maps" depicting which candidate is ahead in predicting his electoral vote were the election to take place on that particular day. But looming in the near distance is that finish line with its decisive call that will elevate someone to the presidency and others to a new congress: one-third of the Senate and the entire House of Representatives, (And the beginning of a new post-Bush era.) We can hardly wait -- especially for some of the problem-solving to bring forth fruit.

The economy, two wars raging in the most unstable part of the world, potential conflicts loom ahead with Russia and Iran, domestic issues like health care and energy needs -- all are clamoring for solutions like unruly kindergarten children each stamping "me first!" Candidates who have spoken so glibly about "being ready on Day One" will recognize the enormity of the tasks on the big desk of the Oval Office. One's fitness to preside will tell the tale in short order. There never has been any "boot camp" for that job. And it is a sad political fact there are no FDR's in this generation.

Still, we will fall in behind the anointed ones in support, as loyal Americans ought to. We will come through this mess to a new place in the sun of world reckoning and regain all the grandeur which has developed such a tarnish over eight long years. Run! Candidates, Run for our lives!