Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama – what are they thinking?

There has never been a more perilous time in world history. The planet stands on the brink of destruction from several fronts, yet the focus of their campaigns is more about taking potshots at each other rather than dealing with these critical issues.

Shame on Sen. Obama, for stooping to using Sen. McCain’s insipid “lipstick on a pig” analogy. He should stop slinging dirt and start talking about issues.

Shame on Sen. McCain, for trivializing the job of president by opting for the popular vote instead of choosing a running mate who is qualified to run this country, such as Sen. Olympia Snowe or Sen. Susan Collins. In his absence, how can Gov. Palin be expected to negotiate with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad when she can’t even articulate Bush’s foreign policy, a policy that’s been in place and public knowledge since America invaded Iraq?

Would being a “hockey mom” or an expert shooter be an asset there? The central message of McCain’s campaign has become a defense of Gov. Palin’s credentials. Unfortunately, he has forced people to decide to vote, or not, for him because of his choice, not for his stand on the issues.

People around the world hate us; Americans are feeding this hatred by making a mockery of this campaign.

Choosing a president is of upmost importance for every citizen.

The public should take this seriously, and insist the candidates also take it seriously. The world is.

Jeannette Baldridge, West Paris