It's an Election year, and there will be plenty of analysis and media outlets in 2008 trying to speculate on who the next President of the United States will be.  But what about an average voter? What does she or he really think about what's happening? 

That's what Just Two Votes is - My and Katie Jo's debate on the candidates and issues as the year moves forward, with each revealing who they vote for come November 4th! 

See Chapter 2
See Chapter 1

Melissa- Maybe a Republican...Should Be Considered In This Election?

People automatically assume I'll vote for a Democrat this November, since my social commentary on-air could be considered liberal.  But I have voted Republican more than once, come from a mostly-Republican family, and many of my closest friends wear GOP buttons.  I am always asking others to be educated and have an open mind, so I have to live the same way.

That being said, which new Republican could best lead this country?

The latest primary victor, Mitt Romney, is pro-life, against stem cell research, and against gay marriage.  New Hampshire winner John McCain supports the reduction of greenhouse gases, thinks there should be no laws against the Spanish language or culture, and supports a Constitutional amendment on flag burning.  Iowa front man Mike Huckabee considers Wal-Mart a case study for genius of the American marketplace, opposes hate crime legislation, and supports Israel as a strategically.  Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani is pro gay rights, opposes prayer in school, and thinks Iran is very dangerous.  Former actor Fred Thompson thinks handguns in the home is a Constitutional right, is against abortion, and for the death penalty.

Hmmm.  The only emotional connection I have to any of the candidates is with McCain.  Honey, if you are in a POW camp for 5 1/2 years as he was, you deserve consideration for the tough task that is the Presidency.  

KatieJo - Maybe a Republican...Knows Best.

How can you not respect McCain?  He has nine lives and has battled cancer, the Vietnamese, fellow Republicans, and the Navy.

 Given the depressing economic reality we are facing, how can you not be tempted to vote for someone like Mitt Romney, who has succeeded in the private sector?

Rudy comforts the part of all of us that remembers how important it is to have a President who doesn't lose his cool when the terrorists hit the fan, so to speak.

Mike Huckabee...I can't even fathom the prospect.  He is the Howard Dean of the right wing evangelicals.

Mike scares me as much as Dean did. 

No one can deny the fact that there is a middle America out there who simply may not be ready to vote for an African-American or a woman.  Many will see the value of voting for a Republican and for good reasons.

I believe the Republican race is between Mitt and McCain and to tell you the truth, that doesn't scare me.