Barack Obama is not qualified to be the next president of the US.

Kels makes a great point about the surge, for had the US not abandoned the Rumsfeld strategy, we would probably be in the same slump that we were in before the surge. Regardless of who is killing one another, they're going to create a hell of alot of instability if we leave. The al-Qaeda WILL return, and that's not even bringing in to the picture what Iran might do. Mr.Obama's strategy, like so many others, is doomed to fail in the long run. I want the troops home just as much as you do, Clay, but we must look at this in a broader perspective. The Iraqis want freedom, both to vote and to walk in the streets and not having to fear a gunfight. And, judging by the recent reports from the generals and soldiers in the field, (who know the situation a hell of a lot better than any of us) I'd say we're giving them those freedoms. Why should Iraqis not enjoy the same freedoms that you enjoy every day? So, in the end, it doesn't matter what the surge did or was meant to do or could have done, etc. What matters is what's happening now. Just look at it! Marathons are being held, people walk in the streets and hold parties, thousands of people in Baghdad celebrated New Year's, where 2 years ago, they could barely go into the streets and talk. Don't forget that it took America 8 years of fighting and 10 years to sort out the constitution. Even though we expect everything to heppen instantly nowadays, nation-building still takes a bit of time. So for you to say that the surge is a failure based on the fact that it simply 'didn't do what it was meant to do' is quite foolish. Also, God bless you and your husband, Kels, and may he return safely and soon. On the issue of Ahmadinejad, I agree that it is beneficial to talk to other countries, even those that we disagree with. We should negotiate with Iran on the issues of Iraq and nuclear enrichment. When you see a giant mushroom cloud over Israel, then America will realize just how much Hitler Jr. cares about sanctions. Even with findings from the UN, I don't trust Ahdiminajad at all. If Iran is threatening serious military action against Israel or other countries, it's time to stop fooling around and tell Iran that if you attack our allies, you attack us. And if you just hate the idea of military action against a country that very well may be developing nukes, then I don't know what to do for you. But a day and age may come where military action, or even nuclear weapons, are necessary for the safety and well-being of the world. When that time comes, I hope there will be a sitting president with the courage to do what is necessary. For the good of the US and for the good of all mankind. I concede that my knowledge on the subject of healthcare is limited, what I do know is that any socialist policy, including "socialised" healthcare, is at it's core flawed. If McCain and Obama's policies are so similar, then perhaps McCain's is flawed as well. One need only look at the state of the healthcare systems of Canada and France to see the results of this system of healthcare. All of this, however is a mute point because all of these things could have been told to him by his advisers, and only what he himself has done can truly be considered as to whether or not he is worthy to wear the mantle of Leader of the Free World. In my opinion, Barack Obama unequivocally is not.