http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/mccain-repudiates-hussein-obama-remarks/

The following comment was not published when submitted around # 222.

2008 Feb 26

On Feb 15, we were among 1500 attending a gracious visit by Michelle Obama at Music Hall, just 100 feet from Memorial Hall (built 1803 honoring veterans), today filled to capacity, witnessing John McCain.

Yesterday, at U.Cincinnati, atop Clifton hill 2 miles North, among 11,000, we had good seats to see visibly-tired Barack Obama deliver a packaged script.

In each venue, we warmly enjoyed the company of those near:  Indian couple with 2 youngsters; Boulder,CO-based therapist man, older couple, family 1st-timers, and technical  specialist married lady; bootcamp grad and married female texting her out-of-town democrat friends.

I love Michelle; she is obviously the rock.  She spoke generously, connecting personally.

(1988 June, she graduated from Harvard Law, locating near hometown Chicago in law firm.

1988 Sep, Barak entered Harvard Law; three years returning to same Chicago, hired by same firm.  Michelle was tasked with mentoring the new kid.

Michelle supports the presidential aspirant who quits smoking.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120248883340754123.html )

There was no honor of America at either Obama rally.  Just loud, rock music facilitating my dance.

Miss Ohio sang America beautifully, anticipating arrival of McCain.

Often, anticipating McCain, we stood in affirmation by civil acclaims delivered by two local officials before the mic was handed to the shock jock.  I have heard enough from him to have no respect for his morality, and immediately when he appeared  i sat, dismayed while he riled the crowd with his albeit capable vociferation.  While listening in aloof disapproval, I did not recall hearing the middle name.

Finally, the gracious Portman, taking the mic, satisfied some of my disdain by effectively apologizing for the trashTalker.  McCain entered the stage on his own meter, not prompted by the denouement crafted by Honorable Rob Portman -- long-time beloved Representative, Bush Trade Rep and Budget Director.

McCain delivered a clean statement of purpose and commitment, speaking to any democrat listening as well as to the young Army man on my right.

Alluding to his position evolving through the disappointment of Rumsfeld's incompetence (Rumsfeld not mentioned, but recall McCain's persistent calls for his resignation); persistent declaration of failure by all Democrats and most Republicans; and lone support for the Petraeus build-up, in spite of consequential damage to his campaign,

Quoting as best i can recall:

"I will not ask of Senators Clinton and Obama to apologize for their imprudent political expediency.  Rather, I will extend my hand and endeavor to convince them of the value of cooperating as one America, completing our mission in Iraq ...

...I will never surrender to Al Qaida... I will follow Osama Bin Laden to the gates of hell, if i must,  (paraphrasing: to defeat him and the evil he promulgates that ties a bomb on a retarded woman to detonate other innocents by cowardly remote control.)

go, Johnny go.......