I have been greatly disturbed over the past few days. We have been provided a red herring, and we have been totally distracted from the real quarry and have been knocked off of our game.

STOP!! It is time to straighten out before this campaign is severely damaged.

Like you, and millions of our friends and neighbors, I was rapt with attention during the convention in Denver. Despite constant dire warnings and predictions from the press, speaker after speaker stepped up and delivered powerfully.

Dennis K bounced over the stage with energy and enthusiasm.

Ted Kennedy rose from his hospital bed, told his inoperable brain tumor to stand aside, and reminded again us all of the dreams that have motivated so many of us for decades, and then he passed the torch for those dreams without reservation to Barack Obama.

Hillary Clinton delivered the most powerful speech of her campaign, and ringingly endorsed Barack Obama, and reminded her supporters that their cause was bigger than one of personality, that it was indeed one of ideals and principles, and that those things were represented by Barack Obama in this election, and no one else.

Bill Clinton brought back his old magic, and despite all the talk of his personal bitterness, resentments, etc, unequivocally endorsed Barack Obama as ready and worthy to be President of the United States.

Just as we were thinking we had reached the peak, we were presented with Beau Biden. His eloquent narrative of his father's devotion to his family and his principles was for me the emotional highpoint of the convention. His words and his character provided all the documentation I personally needed for his father.

And that was before I heard Joe speak. Joe was strong and tough. This is no elitist, Biden was a leather tough street kid, with brains and courage. A kid who coming home after being beaten by larger boys, was sent back out by his mother to bloody his attacker because the street was his, and he wasn't going to be afraid to walk down it. That street kid grew into a remarkable man, tough enough to always get back up after being knocked down. A man who was willing to sacrifice his dream of the United States Senate because his young boys needed him at home after the horrible death of their mother and sister. A man who for thirty-six years commutted four hours each day to always be there for his family. And who still has the fire, intelligence and strength to enter the fray willingly and with passion. The seventy-four year old inactive Marine I watched with had a slight rasp in his voice as he said, "We've got ourselves a bulldog there." It was a compliment.

Then of course we heard Barack in the stadium, along with 38 million of our fellow citizens. Again, the news "pundits" were talking down his speech even before it was delivered, but that should be irrelevant, because the people heard his words. And his words again were powerful. For me, for you, and for millions of others, they were reconfirmation of our knowledge that this man is truly exceptional.

Will his name be added to the small lexicon of those who are considered America's "Great" presidents? History will have to make that determination. I believe that is the path Barack is on. 

But it depends on us. It will happen, if we do our job, if we keep our eyes on the prize, if we refuse to be distracted by diversions and distractions. 

Sarah Palin is a diversion and distraction. She is lightweight in a super-heavyweight battle. The constant focus on her, her views, her pregnancy, etc is a total waste of time and effort. Unless we make her into an icon or a martyr, Sarah Palin will soon self destruct. She does not have the knowledge, experience, judgment, the gravitas to be considered a serious candidate for President of the United States. Andwe should all remember that the office of Vice President is indeed an election for President of the United States. 

I think it is time to put our focus back where it belongs. Concentrate on delivering Barack Obama's message to the people. Barack is far superior to John McCain in every significant measurement. Let's make sure we educate and activate the citizenry.

Focus on the readiness of Joe Biden to be effective from day one if the most terrible of happenings occurred. Point out the contrast between John McCain and Barack Obama, between John McCain's statements and his actions. Emphacize McCain's constant, wrong headed support of George Bush.

Don't waste time on Sarah Palin. If directly asked, return the question. "Based on her resumé would you hire Sarah Palin to run General Motors?" &  ?If she would not be considered for this much easier job, why would anyone consider her as a serious candidate for President of the United States?"

Don't swallow the Sarah Palin bait. Let's get this campaign back on the road, and truly compete for the hearts and minds of America's people. This is a battle we can and must win.

Jim