One of the few self imposed rules I haven’t broken while writing the Artful blog, is to stay away from politics. First; because it’s the quickest way to lose about half my readers, and second; don’t we get more than enough politics in a Presidential election year?  But I love breaking rules and learning things the hard way. (Grin)

Zooming across the plains of central Montana, I alternated the radio settings between scratchy AM conservative Talk shows and a clear as a bell National Pubic Radio FM station. Over the years, I have formed my basic political opinions listening to these two opposing schools of thought (propaganda machines). The “trash talking” is  really heating up as the “big game” in November draws near.  Since I still have unanswered questions about the candidates, this was fun homework...  a delightful distraction amidst a desolate drive.

I have enjoyed the run up to this election more than Denver Bronco Football,  reruns of The Andy Griffith Show and all twelve months of my Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Calendar, combined.  Starting with the primaries, it has  been great entertainment. The Dems put on a slugfest with Hillary going toe to toe with Barack. Toward the end, you could sense the exhaustion. Voices strained and hoarse from hammering out a plan for the party and America.

Then the racous rally environment of the conventions with wall to wall fine tuned speeches. Who was not moved when Kennedy showed up to speak at the DNC? Who was not shocked when Sarah Palin was chosen as Mc Cain’s  VP? What a “sucker punch” that was.

It just keeps getting better and better... and do you know why? Because the stakes are getting higher and higher, that’s why. This is a movie script writing itself in real time. It’s Rocky 27... unfolding before an impassioned audience with heavy wagers on the line. And the ending is yet unwritten. We actually get to determine the ending in this movie... after the fight, as the bruised and bloodied opponents stagger back to their respective corners... after the final bell in the 15th round has sounded.

And right now... the polling judges call it even up.