So, while I love my country and try to respect my countrymen, any political argument that's predicated on "people aren't that stupid" is likely to fail with me.

This worries me, too. I keep thinking of that Barnum quote: "Nobody ever lost money underestimating the intelligence of the American public."

I'm leaning towards voting for Kucinich in the primary. I don't feel it's a "wasted" vote because I think a strong - albeit definitely minority - showing for him reminds our party that it *does* have a left wing and that there are some of us out there who believe in universal health insurance, same-sex marriage, etc. In the general election, I will gladly vote for whomever the Dems give me. And I think we have a real embarrassment of riches this year: three candidates who are all smart, competent, with relevant experience, each of whom has the skills, the contacts, and the experience to make a good POTUS. Divorced from policies and positions, that's a wonderful thing to have. The Republicans have *one* who fits that bill: John McCain...

Hmm, I need an election icon, or at least a USA icon. I'll use my New Year one.