First off, to quibble over whether Ayers was a “terrorist” is semantics. I think it’s safe to refer to him as having been a domestic terrorist. Just because he didn’t target people, doesn’t make him less of a terrorist. The so called Eco-Terrorists do not target people, but cause millions of dollars in damage and are still in that category. Is Ayers still a terrorist? No, but to use that term as the definition of what he was is apt. I do agree, however, that the McCain campaign’s rhetoric on it has been heavy handed and unfair.

Second, I’m quite fed up too with the constant focus on Ayers, Wright, etc and the ignoring of policy. I thought this could be a different type of election where both candidates would be able to have an honest debate on what is best for our country. What a disapointment.

Third, Ayers connection to Obama is important, but not in the sense the McCain campaign has made it. I do not think they are all that close and I do not think that this is proof Obama hates America or that he has some secret political agenda. I do think it shows Obama to be more politics as usual, though, and not the Change he claims to be. You’re right in saying that Ayers is a powerful political influence in Chicago and anyone on the left that wants a footing there politically would need his support. What it shows is that Obama didn’t stand on principle and eschew politics as usual, instead he used who he had to and took every chance no matter how suspect or unprincipled it might be. I think Obama is simply another liberal pragmatist politician who is playing by the same old rules. This wouldn’t be a problem if he hadn’t built his entire campaign on change.

Finally, let me just say, I’m not happy with either candidate. They both have their good and their bad, but we need so much more now. I don’t expect the perfect candidate, but I did expect something different this time around with two candidates claiming to be about change and foregoing politics as usual. Unfortunately it has been usual, when what we really needed was something truly different.

That’s just my $0.02. I look forward to your continuing election coverage!

I think it has something to do with the fact that the Obama camp is busy actually spelling out a plan and a message for this country, and McCain can’t seem to be bothered to do the same.