I too am worried about the high level of uninformed and frankly ignorant voters here in Ohio and other swing states. There are many and they could give McPain a chance. And I also worry about how there have been "suspicions" in '04 and '00 of tampering.

The bottom line way to beat this is to get every voter possible for Obama to register and then actually vote. Now that we have a Democratic Secry of State (Ken Blackwell is gone to the dustbin of history) there are many ways, times, methods to vote. I have been volunteering in the Columbus area for the campaign and there is a very organized focus to knock on doors, make calls, and register voters. Today starts the early voting window and now we're getting out the vote everyday through Nov. 4th.

Our side is fired up. Yes, there are McPain supporters, but I know they don't have the energy or desire to do what we're doing in Ohio. And there are lots of Reps. who don't like either candidate (my "Archie Bunker" neighbor is one of them) who may very well not vote at all. A non-vote, rather than a McPain vote, is a vote for Obama in this state and every other swing state.

There are more of us who are organized and doing everything possible on the grassroots level to win. I have hope and faith that we'll carry Nov 4th and give this country the president that we need.

The stonewalling and attempts at suppressing the testimonies are straight from the Bush playbook for every attempt to investigate the many wrong doings of that administration.

The key thing to remember about Troopergate is that it was fully underway BEFORE McCain picked Palin. This again shows either that he did not vet her (a simple Google search showed this investigation) or that he knew of it but assumed that the campaign could stop the investigation process, suppress the report and/or mitigate the damage done by it.

If the report comes out and shows that Palin abused her power for what seems like very personal and petty reasons it is further evidence of why she is profoundly unfit to be the next V.P.

But in a more significant way, it shows the utter lack of judgment, complete cynicism, and lack of competent leadership in John McCain that disqualifies him from being the next president.

When McCain picked Palin to be the V.P. running mate, the formal investigation of her role in Troopergate was already underway for more than a month.

Yet, McCain picked her anyway because:

A). He did not know she was under investigation (he said he doesn't understand how to use a computer and the internet).

B). He thought that he could stone wall any investigation.

C). He thought that he could stop any report from being released.

D). He thought he could deny the truth of any report after release.

E). He thought the Republican base wouldn't care what a report concluded.

F). He thought that the Independents he needs to win wouldn't care what a report concluded.

G). All of the Above!

I was one of 12,000 at the Obama rally last Friday during early afternoon in downtown Columbus. Much of Obama's speech was about specific plans he had to address the economic crisis. The crowd was attentive and cheered at the right times, but it not was not angry or derisive cheering.

The only chant that started was a boisterous "Hope Defeats Fear."

This is what the race has become 21 days out. Hope vs. Fear.

Anger is often simply a cover for fear or a defense against fear. And faith, especially the Christian faith I have, should be all about "Fear Not!" (one of the most common sentiments in both parts of the Bible) Apparently this isn't the case for many "Good Christians" who are supporting McPain.

1). Rev. Peter Gomes - preacher and theologian at Harvard Divinity school. He is a best selling author and powerful preacher who, according to Wikipedia, came out in 1991. He offered prayers at the inaugurals of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

2). Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church Katherine Jefferts Schori. This former oceanographer became the first woman to head the U.S. branch of the Anglican communion in 2006. Immediately she took a principled stance to support the communion in affirming the vote to allow Gene Robinson, openly gay and partnered, to become the bishop of New Hampshire.

What a powerful statement and witness it would be to have either or both of these champions for compassion and discerning God's spirit leading the nation in prayer on the historic day of January 20, 2009.