A million-dollar house of that size in Chicago is no big deal. Small bungalows (like the kind Michelle Obama grew up in -- she and her parents and brother rented the one-bedroom attic apartment) are now running $350,000-$450,000. As to the land next door that Rezko's wife bought and then sold to the Obama's, if they hadn't it's likely the U.S. government would have purchased it for use by the security people who will be stationed there full time.

What I find kind of amazing is that the McCains have two homes in the Pheonix area, three in the same area of California, plus a vacation home (compound) in Sedona----probably the most expensive place in the U.S. to own a house. Why do they need more than one on the beach in California, one in Pheonix and one in Sedona? How many vacation homes does one need? Even Bush has only one---the make-believe ranch in Crawford, TX.

Oh, wait, there's another home. The one outside Washington where McCain lives when he's actually being a U.S. Senator. Now, I know some Members of Congress own homes in the Washington area, but most rent or share with colleagues. For instance, my former Senator and friend, Richard Durbin, shares an apartment with 3 other Senators. And, having been highlighted several times on the news, one can definitely say it's clearly not the Ritz!

I guess you could call me one of those PUMAs because I felt that the convention should be the venue for deciding who the Democrat nominee should be, and not a big unity fest which it's been far too many years.

Having said that, I expected Michelle Obama to be good. She was. And what disturbs me are the comments from people on this site and in the media about how much they've learned from that speech.

Where have people been? Michelle (Robinson) Obama's story has been out there all along: a child growing up in a rental unit in a small bungalow on Chicago's south side, with a blue collar father and a stay-at-home mother; a girl who did well in school and was encouraged by her teachers to aim high; a child who had the example of parents with fine values to direct her; a young woman who pursued higher education and attained it; one who worked hard and gave back to her community. She was and still is genuine, and the GOP and media attacks against her have been unwarranted and hateful.

Even last night, after her speech, two male guests on Larry King Live panned her performance as containing cliches and being ineffective. Only the GOP woman gave her credit for giving a good speech! I guess I wasn't surprised by those comments since Ben Stein is a joke (frankly, I thought he used to be a failed comedian) and Michael Reagan is and always has been in my eyes the pathetic, rejected, adopted son of Ronald Reagan who would have become anything - adopted any party affiliation and philosophy - to gain attention from Ronnie and Nancy. Why anyone bothers asking him his opinion puzzles me.

I have said all along that Michelle Obama should be the one running for President. And now that I think about it -- the PUMA in me raising her "unladylike" head (using a word used by Chris Matthews last night....doesn't the man ever learn?) -- Michelle is right where Hillary Clinton was when Bill was running. Maybe we can look forward to an African American woman, representing all women and their hopes and dreams, finally burst through the glass ceiling....not just break it!

Last night, after Ms. Obama's speech, was the first time in ages I've seen Barack Obama acting in a genuinely human manner. He wasn't stiff. Didn't come off as a daydreamer. He was a proud, happy husband and father. So I guess last night's speech also gave viewers an opportunity to see the real Barack Obama, as well.

How much difference will it make? Who knows? Mrs. Kerry also made a good speech at the last convention, and the Kerry children were marvelous. That was in contrast to the Stepford Wife Laura Bush and her two ditzy daughters' speeches. But look who is in the White House today?

...because what Michelle Obama was saying was "you see" and I think that phrase alone distinguishes it from the political speeches that oftentimes seem contrived and difficult to believe. It was her own personal touch added to, yes, a scripted speech. And worked well because, you see, she's a genuine person---something people learned last night for the first time.

Michelle, you made us PROUD!