Just weeks ago I was vehemently protesting this year's presidential primary race because none of the democratic candidates garnered my respect. Tonight, I sit in front of my television, glued to CNN and Barack Obama's speech in front of supporters in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama is the best hope this damaged nation has and for once I am hanging on a politician's words like dear life…

But Mike, what could possibly have quashed your voter's apathy? Well I am glad you asked. Quite simply Obama's words have captured my attention. He speaks with a certain eloquence and sincerity far too rare in today's political world…the Kennedy's describe Barack as today's John Fitzgerald; others have compared him to Martin Luther King Jr. I was not alive to witness the rise and fall of either of those great men so I cannot comment either way, but Obama truly gives me hope for the future.

At one time I had great respect for Hillary Clinton (save for her unwarranted attention to the video game industry) but the more research I do the less pleased I am with her stance on key issues. I am a staunch opponent of war and Hillary's vote of support for military force in Iraq is inexcusable. She claims she would have voted differently "if we knew then what we knew now." That is all good and well, but supporting a war in the first place is nothing short of disgraceful. The war turned out to be a sham and a turned Iraq into a mass grave of Allied forces and Iraqi civilians. I am ashamed to be a citizen of a country that so arrogantly charges into any situation unprepared and unconcerned for human life…On the topic of Iran, Hillary "advocates diplomacy" but refuses to meet with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and states that "no option can be taken off the table."

Call me a peacenik if you desire, it bothers me not. I support the lives of our troops and the civilians caught in the middle, not faulty missions without positive outcomes. Barack Obama voted against the use of military force in Iraq and says he will meet with the leaders of the countries that fool Bush blacklisted and placed in his "Axis of Evil". Amen man, that's exactly what I want. North Korea terrifies me…like the abused kid that knows where his father keeps a loaded gun. Nothing will happen on a massive scale, but the neighbors might get shot in the process. Japan's proximity to North Korea is the source of my fears…and until we can find a way to make real progress with Pyongyang it's a very scary situation in East Asia…

You may have noticed that foreign policy is my biggest concern going into the presidential elections…but that is not all of course. The economy is another chief concern of mine, but I feel it's also tied closely to the war in Iraq right now. The war is a financial sinkhole, sucking up funding that could go towards fixing our schools or the environment. As they say, improvement starts from within…

Yes, the environment…practically destroyed by humankind. Capping emissions, raising vehicle emissions regulations, and penalizing heavy polluters are good places to start, but that cannot be the end. Clean energy is our only hope for a clean tomorrow...

But wait a minute Mike, isn't there another major party besides the Democratic Party? Yes, there is…and it is the party of non-secularism, the party of rewarding the rich with lower taxes, the party of ignorance, etc. The front-runner from the Republican Party is the ancient and ever idiotic John McCain. B-B-B-But he's a war hero! Replace the word 'hero' with 'hawk' and you are closer to the truth. John McCain voted to support the use of military force in Iraq, supported Bush's veto on a bill to withdraw troops by 2008, and was an early proponent of sending additional troops. He also pledges to increase the numbers in the army and marines and spend more on the defense budget. So it sounds like he is big on defending Americans from the dangers outside the borders…what about the dangers within? McCain voted against a 10 year extension of the assault weapons ban and opposes legislation requiring trigger locks. At the same time he is against allowing women to choose whether or not they get abortions. Hypocrisy in action! Still not convinced? The balding senator calls himself "the biggest free marketer and free trader that you will ever see." NAFTA is so…15 years ago. Fair Trade is what we really need…

The one issue that I lean towards Clinton is healthcare. She supports a national healthcare system like Canada's and frankly this country desperately needs it. But because of her stances on other major issues I will not support her run for the presidency. If, unfortunately, she wins the democratic nomination I will not cast an absentee ballot in the presidential election. I cannot be bothered to choose between her and McCain even though she would be a much better choice for this country that that old b******.

Super Tuesday is basically over now, and Clinton and Obama are virtually in a dead heat. I am disappointed Obama couldn't win California, but his numerous victories across the US are very important. He clearly holds the African-American vote (as he proved by wins across the south) but he also won in some very white states (UT, MN, ID, AK, CO, CT, KS, etc). It will be interesting to see what happens next…though I fear Clinton's iron fist will stamp out Obama's glorious campaign in the end…but all is not lost. Barack Obama has taught me that there is still hope for this country. I am alive and closely watching this race...and I've finally found a politician I can rally behind.