Substance vs. surface in race for president

Media General News Service
Published: August 7, 2008

The summer is waning and the fall is fast approaching. Along with the changing of the leaves will also come the opportunity to change the leadership at the topmost level of our government.
That’s right, in case you fell into a hole and were trapped for the last two years, the presidential election is coming up this November.
To listen to certain media establishments, you would be forgiven for thinking that the race was already in the bag. There have been some allegations of media bias in favor of Barack Obama, and if we’re going to be honest, it certainly does seem as if he is getting the bulk of the attention.
Perhaps it is because he is a great orator, has youthful exuberance, or maybe it’s because he is the first black man with a real chance of being president - a fact of great historical significance. Regardless, we urge you to look beyond simple sound bites and overblown media fawning. Make this election what every election should be about - the issues.
Now, we are not saying that Obama is weak on the issues or that his opponent, John McCain, is strong on them. We are withholding judgement on the two candidates for the time being.
What we are saying is that this race should not be about appearance, race, age, the media or any other superficiality. This race should be about what these two men plan to do if they become president.
So, look past the television screen and investigate where these candidates stand. If you agree with Barack Obama, then support him. If you agree with John McCain, support him. But make sure your decision is based on substance, not the surface adulation and fickle-nature of some of our news media.
A big change in leadership is coming and it is up to us to decide what that change will be. We have the responsibility to choose thoughtfully.