"FUNDAMENTALS, ELECTING BRITTANY SPEARS, OR A PRESIDENT?"

In the United States, anyone who played sports, a musical instrument, or were taught in school have all been told one thing, "When you stumble and fall, always go back to the fundamentals." Fundamentals in anything, are the basis of growing, talent, and/or learning. They are also a key component of a persons decisions and who they are internally (possibly externally). Therefore, when looking at the political candidates, for President of the United States, between John McCain (the Republican candidate), or Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton (the Democratic nominees), what are their fundamental principals? What do they believe in, both personally and ethically, on certain main topics? Maybe more importantly, where do they stand, on the several key issues, American people are most concerned with?

The fact that Samantha Powers, Barack Obama's adviser on foreign affairs, came out on the BBC against Obama (basically resigning), is not about Obama. What was in her words, in that interview, was just short of "Annis' Bizarre" (saying Obama not having a plan to get out of Iraq, he could not provide the complete withdrawal strategy due to what may/may not happen between now and election time, and she also called Hillary a "Monster"). Then John McCain's coverage on the news, Internet, and print media, was on a "New York Times" reporter, asking McCain whether he was considering having John Kerry as a Vice Presidential candidate. Not letting the topic drop, after McCain completely snuffed the question, she continued to hammer on McCain. Finally, getting the word "angry" into the conversation, which will be printed tomorrow (portraying McCain out to be a hot head, who blow his stack at reporters, for absolutely nothing). Are these things the "fundamental issues and insights into the candidates" that the American people need to know? Not only is there nothing substantive in this, but it is counter productive to the American political system, and is actually what needs to change (no pun intended, since Obama is part of the problem).

The fundamental things that the people, of America, need to demand from the press are not hard to find. The media outlets, have a job, and it is to get the fundamental issues and the ethics/decisions of each candidates out. It is not to dwell on perimeter issues, blood spilled to fill the front page, and definitely not whether a candidate puts a flag on his lapel, whether a former governor (like Ray Mabus of Mississippi, implying that Hillary Clinton is treating "Afro-Americans," as "second class") is blatantly implanting race into a primary, or any of the other countless fringe issues the media keeps hammering into American's brains. The fundamental political issues of the current democratic nomination process, and eventually the general election, are the economy, illegal immigration, where the candidates stand and who they would consider for judges, the life issues (abortion, stem cell research, etc.), foreign policies (Iraq, Iran, and how to deal overseas with China and Russia), and trade (NAFTA, import/export deals, and what is coming into the country). The issues above are just some of the issues, but they are a good start. Every single reporter, blogger, and media person in the world should be demanding answers, to where each candidate stands on these issues, SPECIFICALLY. If they continue to stay in lock step, with the same questions, then the candidates would be forced to answer them outright, or not answer and leave the Americans with a direct action on how to vote.

Finally, in the debates and along the remainder of the campaign trail, the media and moderators need to ask the specific questions in prime time. If they get the same "Talking Points" back, then the question needs to be readdressed to the candidate, until an answer is given. If each major network, paper, and Internet site would follow this way, then it would be an actual step in seeing where every candidate stands on the issues, which is what Americans need to know, in order to cast a correct vote. (Not to get ahead of the whole process, but think if the candidates were treated to only the questions that mattered, maybe it would filter down to congressman, senators, and on down the line and all voters would know where every candidate stood.) Fundamental questions require fundamental actions/answers, the candidates should be representing the people, not special interests and the media elite. The only way the political process is going to change, is if the media does their job. Getting out answers, on the topics effecting Americans today and in the future (not "talking points and talk around the issue points") will expose, or will illuminate the candidate for who they are and what they stand for. In addition, if the media outlets and papers mix in the main points of the candidates past and where they personally stand on issues (of merit and ethics), then the public would be as learned as they care to be.

No matter what way a person views the issues, believes in their hearts things should be, or whether they are Democrats, Republicans, or Independents fundamentals shape their lives. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain are no different, and should be viewed, interviewed, and ultimately elected by the same merits. Voters of America must know the fundamentals that galvanize the candidates, on the issues and in their personal lives (based on decisions made, deals and legislation passed, various other things), or else they will be just voting blind. Maybe worse, Americans will be voting on issues in the media, that carry the weight of an "Entertainment Tonight," or "TMZ.com" article and/or show, rather than the issues needed to elect a President of the United States. Without the fundamentals of the candidates, fully vetted in the media and on the Internet, Americans will be voting on the information and questions used to look at Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton, rather than looking at the issues and fundamental information needed to elect the President.

"BEST ELECTION CYCLE, IN FOUR GENERATIONS OF VOTERS"

The eighteen to forty year old bracket, have not seen politics like this, since the Nixon fiasco ("Watergate"), if ever. Not counting Nixon, people that are under the age of, maybe forty-six, have not had a mad season, like the one the American people are embroiled in now. Mike Huckabee, Barack Obama, Ron Paul, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton, all have not only run a beautiful, well spoken, and politically sound campaign (to this point), but they have all made the people of America stand up and come out to vote, in massive numbers. Some may say that it is because of the "first black candidate" (even though he is also half white?) and others will say that it is because of the "first woman candidate," for the President of the United States (even though she has been groomed for this, for 40 years, and her husband was president seven years ago). These two reasons have helped in the numbers, so have talking points like "change and new hope." However, the bottom line is there has been more stories and figures, this political season to get out for, then possibly ever before. Regardless of the reason, the candidates have been spectacular.

Starting with Mike Huckabee, just because he is now out of the race, as of Tuesday. A former Baptist minister and governor of Arkansas (for ten years), Huckabee was a "third tier" candidate. Republicans like Rudi Guiliani, Mitt Romney, Duncan Hunter, and Ron Paul (plus several others) were all on display at the first debate. However, each one took a dive, some sooner than others, but Mike Huckabee (and McCain, who will be discussed later). Mitt Romney was the lynch pin, for the talk radio and television talking heads, but all the good press in the world, could not save his flip flopping and (let's face the facts) Mormon record. Rudi Guiliani, some said the heir apparent, to the presidential throne, waited until Florida (outside of debates) to begin running. Wrong move for Rudi, because Florida ended up being the last state for him, before getting the boot. Aside from Ron Paul, who raised $5 million in one day, on the Internet, the rest of the Republicans were all knocked out. All except for a bass guitar playing, Baptist minister, with a great sense of humor, who also had a great sense for getting his message across. Mike Huckabee started out dragging his own suitcase, alone, thru airports and venues to talk to the potential voters in Iowa. His "Huck-a-bus" was all over the state, barnstorming Iowa, and low and behold he wins Iowa. John McCain was left for dead, broke, and fired his whole crew, at this point. However, Huckabee, went thru all of the debates, all of the states, and even outlasted every other Republican (except the nominee). Only in America, can a man who was the first to go to college in his family, a minister, bass guitar playing, governor, with no funding and little name recognition, come in second in a Republican Primary.

John McCain, a war veteran and POW, in the Vietnam War, is the Republican nominee now. However, just seven months ago, he was broke and fired his whole staff, for lack of performance and policy differences. The press said that he was done, and he had very few in his corner at all. All of the radio and news people, for the Republican party, tarnished the man's record and reputation. Anne Coulter, said that she would vote for Hillary Clinton, before John McCain, at one point (she has backed off the rhetoric, of late). Now John McCain has become the biggest come back kid, in the Republican party. Tenacity and pure guys, got John McCain to the end, and across the finish line. Now, he is the only Republican to have a chance at being President in 2008.

Barack Obama, a biracial man, from Illinois, and a freshman senator is one of two democrats left in the election process, on the Democratic side. Obama cannon balled into the mainstream, with his speech, at the 2004 Democrat National Convention. In 2007, Obama was facing a high, double digit lead, behind Hillary Clinton. However, he used his massive intellect, great political speeches on the stump, and the press ate whatever he was dishing out, to become the front runner, by November. To this date, he has not looked back (although Hillary has the wind at her back now), and is the front runner to become the first black President of the United States. I do not know what makes his Afro-American genes more important, than his Caucasian genes, but for some reason the black genes in his body, are worth more to the voters, press, and the democratic party. Which is 100% fine, but somewhere down the line, somebody has to realize that the man has 50% of a Caucasian DNA pool. Barack Obama is still the dominate speaker, front runner of the party, and most of all he has injected more excitement into this campaign than any other person.

Last, but certainly not least (EVER), Hillary Clinton, the first woman to run for President, is on a huge rush, at present. She had wins in Rhode Island, Texas and Ohio, but she is still behind in delegates and the popular vote. However, she is a Clinton, and the Clintons control the Democratic party. Bill Clinton is a rock star and Hillary is far from being out of the nomination. Everyone in America knows about Hillary and her husband (his exploits and good things, too).

Whether voters like the candidates they this year, or not, they cannot complain they do not have any choices. Most of their policies are the same, even McCain has a past of passed bills with the other side of the aisle (McCain/Fiengold, McCain/Lieberman, the Gang of 13 Decision, etc. etc...), with Obama and Hillary varying with very little. However, the American people have their first woman, Afro-American, War Hero/P.O.W. candidates, in history, to choose from in 2008. When November roles around, this could be the single biggest set of election campaigns, in United States history. One thing is for sure, for the last two generations of voters in the United States, it definitely is the biggest election sequence of their lifetime.

"HILLARY WINS TUESDAY, WITH BRILLIANT 4 DAY BLITZ"

The "Clinton Machine" escapes complete desecration, loss, and an actual defeat in an overall political venue (that matters). Hillary won Texas, Ohio, and Rhode Island, on Tuesday night. Sweeping the "Kennedy" states of Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and California (Maria Shriver), who is backing Barack Obama. A mere nine days ago, Bill Clinton stood on stage and bloviated, "If Hillary does not win Ohio and Texas, then she is pretty much done." Hillary has not only won all three of these states, but attained them with a brilliant and politically clandestine scheme, which may have been the best swing of all-time (maybe matched by the, left for dead, John McCain, nine months ago). A combination of slipping out some bad Barack Obama press (just four days away from the primaries and caucuses), a sly and fresh appearance on "Saturday Night Live," and having her pundits flood the political/news programs and radio talk shows tilted the table, enough for victory in 3 states Tuesday.

Last Friday, when most people are going home to be in front of the television, on the Internet and/or reading the newspapers, the names Antoine "Tony" Rezco, William "Bill" Ayers, and Jeremiah Wright were made household names. The Clinton pundits cleverly sent press releases, talked on radio and talk shows, and blogs on these people and their relationships to Barack Obama. Rezco was just a name in the Chicago and Illinois area, before he was linked to Obama, in the public eye. Rezco is currently on trial, in federal court, for countless business deals in the Chicago, Illinois area. Counts of fraud and possible tax evasion (plus, other charges are pending), are being raised against Rezco, but people are not sure of Obama's involvement. Obama is still a "self-proclaimed" friend with Rezco, Rezco and Obama have had at least one deal that is shaky, involving Obama's home in Chicago, (which was possibly illegal, Obama and his camp refuse to give up any of the transaction details and other records, to know for sure). Plus, Rezco held five different fund raiser functions for Obama's campaigns (both in state and federal seats). However, Obama was particularly upset that he was asked questions, "I didn't expect you guys to bite on that," was his response to the press (concerning Rezco questions).

More than half of the major media shows in the morning and in prime time, over the weekend, Obama's friendship with William "Bill" Ayers came up. Ayers, who was a member of "The Weathermen," which was a radical, liberal, fringe group (in the late 1960s, early '70's) who fire bombed the Pentagon and eleven other government buildings and sites (Ayers himself was brought up on charges, but was not formally charged, due to some law and police problems, with his case). However, Ayers has said formally and revels in actually fire bombing, these buildings. He is still a tenured college professor, has endorsed Obama and has given to his campaign. Another, to be "leaked," or at least strategically brought into the public fray, was Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's minister. Obama has been accused of being a Muslim, but has been a member of Wright's "Christian" church, for over twenty years. However, the problem with Wright and church, is the teaching on Afro-Centric/Afro-American dominate topics and interpretations (Jesus and all of the Bible's stories, people, and parables are seen thru a black only lens) and the church giving a "lifetime achievement award" to the minister Louis Farrakhan. Also, Wright made this comment, the Sunday after 9-11, "The attacks on September 11, are the consequences of our foreign policies, that were violent." Ceremoniously, equating that the United States, either provoked countries and deserved to be attacked, or the policies of America made us responsible for the 9-11 attacks.

All of the above, with a brief appearance on "SNL," where she made fun of herself, looked attractive, and was very down to earth. In skits that made fun of her, "have to win" and not playing politics "tonight" showed the American people in an age group that was crucial in Ohio, that Hillary Clinton is personable and even affable. In the past three debates, on the stump, and even on the television news shows her campaign allows her to do, she comes off as "just another politician." Saturday night, she came alive and made another "come back moment." Similar to the New Hampshire event, where she shed a couple of tears, this was a funny and emotional side of Hillary. It resonated with the American people, at least enough, for her to win (or contribute, to her wins) in the states she needed.

No matter what has happened to this point, in the democratic side of the ticket, there is not going to be any resolution to this nomination anytime soon. Pennsylvania is three weeks away, being the biggest primary left, it will be crucial. The American people will have to suffer thru at least one more debate, between now and then, but things should heat up, as well. Obama and Clinton, in their speeches Tuesday night, both took shots over their respective decks. Clinton, especially hit on Obama's "all hat and no cattle," or "he is just all words, with no action/plan," in her speech Tuesday. The success of the "3 a.m. advertisement" and Barack Obama's campaign manager (David Axelrod) not addressing the Tony Rezco problem (after being asked several times about it, on "ABC's Sunday morning, with George Stephanopolous") it looks like Clinton will be faster and harder, with some of Obama's perceived negatives. Clinton will also continue to speak loud and proud of her wins, in both Texas and Ohio, after being outspent almost three to one, in advertising by Barack Obama's campaign. Hillary Clinton is, once again, a force, has momentum, and she has more than turned the tables, this Tuesday.

"McCAIN THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE, FOR BETTER, OR WORSE"

McCain continued, making several overtures at the last two democratic candidates, on their lackluster view of the country, outlook on Iraq and stances on which way the country will move. McCain looked like "the maverick" of old (no pun intended), booming at the podium, on topics of the war, economy, and jobs. McCain finally looked "Presidential" and confident in his address, speaking with authority. Officially the nominee, now that Mike Huckabee has been eliminated, McCain took several shots at both Hillary Clinton and Obama. Although, he did not use their names, it was blatantly obvious that McCain was striking where he could, saying, we will not falter in Iraq and will be able to bring our troops home with their heads held high, after victory. Obviously, insinuating that both Clinton and Barack Obama (who lost in Texas and Ohio) would withdraw troops from Iraq, before the war was won, or at least prematurely.

McCain now has six full months, before the Republican National Convention, and to pick a vice presidential candidate. McCain plan on going to the White House, to get George Bush's endorsement and press the flesh with other top republicans, on the hill. Probably, the main thing that McCain won tonight (because the nomination, was mathematically in the bag, before Texas and Ohio), is he will get to take a huge break. McCain would be the oldest man to serve as Commander-In-Chief, if he wins the general election, will need to pace himself and stay fresh. Now that Mike Huckabee is out of the picture, he will no longer have to constantly pound the pavement, in states he had technically already won. After the much deserved break, he will then need to get on to a huge fund raising effort. McCain and whomever his running mate is will be fighting an uphill battle. Raising enough money to keep up with the democratic nominee, trying to stay "positive" in ads, and getting around some older McCain policies will be very hard to do. Obama and Clinton are raising, anywhere from, $20 to $35 million a month! Therefore, no matter who the Democratic nominee is, they will have a load of cash to spend (that does not even count, if Obama and Clinton, or Clinton and Obama, decide to run together, on the same ticket).

Good for John McCain. A man who has had more than his share of defeats, hardships, but still remains a true American hero and patriot. Now, John McCain is the Republican Nominee, for better, or worse.

"McCAIN NOMINEE OFFICIALLY & 3 REASONS HUCKABEE SHOULD BE VP"

Mike Huckabee, who "officially" dropped out of the Presidential race tonight, should be McCain's running mate for President of the United States for three reasons. The first reason, he comes across as an honest and "nonpolitical" figure. The second reason, he is the best orator, on the Republican side, and he already has huge name recognition (now that he was the last in the race). Lastly, if the American people truly want "change," that is not McCain's strong suit. Therefore, Mike Huckabee can step in, using the first two points above, and bring in his ideas on immigration, a return to fiscal responsibility, and the biggest spelled out "change idea" of any candidate, the "Fair Tax/Consumption Tax."

The majority of the republican elite, despise the fact that Mitt Romney dropped out of the race, and John McCain has won the Republican nomination. The radio and talk show standouts, like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Anne Coulter, and Laura Ingram hammered McCain when Romney was in the race and continued for days after. Now they are all begging for a running mate, for McCain, like Romney, Charlie Crist, and a number of other governor's. Aside from Romney, the other governor VP candidates, who the right are clamoring for, all lack name recognition to the regular citizen. However, of these "Reagan Conservatives," that the right wants McCain to pick, have a problem, they have no experience (except Romney, but Romney has his own problems, which is why he is not still in the race). Mike Huckabee, on the other hand, has the name recognition and is in America's front room, now. He was a governor for ten years, in Arkansas. He has experience, he comes across as an honest, funny, and a guy that most of America would like to hang out with (or the proverbial, "who would you most like to have a beer with?" candidate). He does not come across like a "typical politician," which is a perfect compliment to John McCain, who has been in the Washington game, for over 20 years.

Assuming Obama is the Democratic candidate, McCain is going to have to match him, word for word. Obama is a charismatic orator, who does not make any mistakes on the stump, and is constantly banging the American "change drum." Almost every politician, media outlet, and elite in America is scared to take on Obama's friends, past, and shaky stances on certain trysts with the law. Mike Huckabee is the only person, who can run for the vice president spot, who would be able to speak out about the Obama indiscretions and outright problems, because he was a Baptist minister, the topics are true about Obama, and Huckabee comes across well with his words and looks honest.

There are several examples of Barack Obama's shaky political problems, side deals, and where he has stood on certain issues and people. Obama's friendship with William "Bill" Ayers, who was a member of "The Weathermen," which was a radical, liberal, fringe group who fire bombed the Pentagon and eleven other government sites (Ayers himself was brought up on charges, but was not formally charged, due to some law and police problems, with his case. However, Ayers has said formally and admitted to actually fire bombing, these buildings, with pride). Another example is Obama's friendship and business deals, with Antoine "Tony" Rezco. Rezco is currently on trial, in federal court, for countless business deals in the Chicago, Illinois area, fraud, and possible tax evasion (plus, other charges are pending). Obama is still a friend with Rezco, Rezco and Obama have had at least one deal that is shaky (possibly illegal, Obama and his camp, refuse to give up any of the transaction details and records, to know for sure), and Rezco held five different fund raiser functions for Obama. Still another problem figure, for Obama, that the media and other public figures (including Hillary Clinton, for the most part), is Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright. Obama has been accused of being a Muslim, but he has been a member of Wright's "Christian" church, for over twenty years. However, the problem with Wright and his church is the teaching on black/Afro-American dominate topics (Jesus and all of the Bible's stories, people, and parables are seen thru a black only lens) and the church gave a "lifetime achievement award" to the minister Louis Farrakhan. Also, Wright made this comment, the Sunday after 9-11, "the attacks on September 11, are the consequences of our foreign policies, that were violent."

Finally, the whole democrat party and most of America agrees, that there needs to be an overhaul, on the United States' political system. John McCain has made a lot of headway in standing his ground, being a "Maverick," but he has also put his name on bills like "McCain/Fiengold," the "gang of thirteen," and he was on the wrong side of the amnesty bill (on illegal immigration, sponsored by Ted Kennedy). With holes like that, in McCain's overall resume, he will need someone with some fresh ideas on what matters to the common person. Once again, Huckabee steps up with a fresh idea on the economy, with "The Fair Tax/Consumption Tax." "The Fair Tax/Consumption Tax" is a straight tax for everything that we buy (hence, "consumption tax"). The things we buy, like TVs, DVRs, electronics, everything will have about a 31% to 33% tax added on them (from the 7%-9% tax that is on them now, so a tax hike of about 24% to 26% on things we buy). However, the "need products" and food (Need products are things people HAVE TO have to live), would have a lesser tax on them, to save the lower class, retired/elderly, and disabled people (like me) from paying a ton of taxes. There will be some tweaking and overall looks into what percentages will be put, on what products.

If the "Fair Tax" were passed, it would be ONE TAX across America, making EVERYONE pay it (drug dealers, pimps, illegal immigrants, everyone that is under the radar/off the grid), which would create about $14-18 trillion dollars of new revenue to put back into America. Plus, the IRS would be negated and would be closed. There would be no need for the IRS, because the taxes would be collected by the people selling stuff (thru sales tax, or "the fair tax"). The "Fair Tax" is just a hike of sales taxes, overall. So, when you get your check, you would not pay FICA, Social Security, and all the other things that come out of "YOUR" check, you would get your whole check, after working your two jobs. Same for JD, the only thing that would come out of J's check is his 401k, insurance, but NO TAXES. The only taxes we would pay is on goods we buy. By making the IRS go "by-by," that would bring in $12-14 trillion to the US (thru their salaries, hounding people for taxes, paper, filings, etc...etc....), each year.

The "Fair Tax" would not allow all of the huge corporations (OPEC, Halliburton, Bank of America, all gambling sites and others who bank in the "Caiman Islands" and other places who do not have to pay tax on any dividends, earnings, and just bank off shores to avoid the IRS and Tax Codes) to duck paying taxes overall. This would also bring in roughly $4-8 trillion dollars (this is an estimate because nobody knows how much cash, of Americans banking and saving cash and other stuff "off shore" away from the IRS and can't be touched, is out there).

Even though, there is six months, before John McCain has to make an announcement, on his VP candidate, Mike Huckabee should be the choice. Although, McCain should wait on the announcement, to hold on any kind of attacks, political digging, and the other things that come with running for office, the choice "behind closed doors" should already be made, in Huckabee. Any other candidates, with the exception of Romney (who has way to many holes, no matter what Anne Coulter and Rush Limbaugh may say), do not have the name recognition, would be to young and would fall into the "inexperienced" category, and finally the American people may not find any kind of affinity with any new, potential candidate. There is to many, "what if?" factors, in making a fresh face (just to appease the far right, or anyone else for that matter) the vice presidential candidate. Therefore, there is another reason why Mike Huckabee should be John McCain's choice, for his running mate.