McCain-Palin - Best Strategic Move I’ve Seen!

All I can say is “wow”! Senator McCain blind-sided the entire nation this week! He went totally against the grain to nominate Sarah Palin as his V.P. Talk about a smooth move. This has so pushed Senator McCain from the background to the foreground that it will be weeks before this dies down. This goes against the Republican grain. Everyone thought he would pick a man of course! It’s the Republican way! To choose Palin was one of the best strategic moves I’ve seen in a while during his entire campaign. He has separated himself from the traditional Republican way.

Now, we all know his move was based entirely on Senator Obama’s move. It’s a game of chess. You make your move, I look over the board and then I make my move. His goal was to grab women voters, those hanging Hillary supporters who felt left out. (See my previous post, Should’ve been Hillary) http://praybeforeyouvote.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/shouldve-been-hillary/.

Although President Bill Clinton gave a speech to mobilize those Hillary supports to support the Democratic Party, there are still some who are die hard Hillary fans who have vowed to support McCain as an act of protest.

Well, the game has changed. I think Governor Palin brings life, pizzazz and hope to a campaign that seemed to be fizzling under the limelight of the Senator Obama’s runaway freight train. It has literally put the freight train to a halt! I like what I see in Palin so far. I don’t know if she’ll be as active or vocal once she gets in the presidency. Let’s face it; George Bush hasn’t been the decision-maker since he was in office. He’s the deliverer of the messages.

Palin is a go-getter and she’s used to being involved. We’ll have to watch the campaign to see how involved “they” will they let her be. Will they listen to her ideas? Will they let her sit at the table, but not play the game? Will the male ego kick in and put her in place? Will she go get the coffee for all the other men in the board room?

The party is run from the background by Republican strategists. I am excited about Palin, but I not sure if she will have the power that women desire her to have. Men just aren’t ready for that. Hopefully she will be able to break the glass ceiling that many of us women have hit in our careers. Hopefully she will dispel the myth that women can’t lead with authority because of sensitive nature. She’s tough and I applaud McCain for this move.

We’ll see how this plays out. It’s on! Let the games begin (again). I’m waiting for Senator Obama’s next move. He’s played his cards wisely thus far. So now it boils down to, what type of America do we want? Look at the candidates. Check out there platforms. Look through all the hype on both sides and see who has the best plan for America. What is America going through at this time? Once you’ve done all those things, then get out and vote!

Freya S. Williams

Author, Pray Before You Vote!

www.praybeforeyouvote.org

The Case for the Evangelical Vote!

We know the importance of the Evangelical or Christian vote and if we don’t we are in denial. We know that Christians and I am one, vote our values. It is no secret that both Presidential Candidates know how important this vote is. Rick Warren is having a candidate's forum tonight on CNN where he will focus specifically on moral and social issues.
The last two elections were decided by morals. Evangelicals are people who believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that He died on the Christ for our sins. We believe in the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and do not want to defy God. There is a split between morally focused-Christians and socially-focused Christians. Morally-focused Christians and I’ll use Evangelicals and Christians interchangeably from this point forward, believe that morals are more important when supporting a candidate. Socially-focused candidates believe social issues are just as important. Hopefully tonight's forum will show where both candidates stand.
The Evangelical or Christian vote is important because of their influence. Religious leaders have large followings and while they cannot endorse candidates according to the IRS, they still have influence over their flock. Traditionally the Republicans have established the relationships with many of the televangelists. The Evangelical or Christian vote was a sure win for the Republicans! Now, that Democrats are becoming more vocal about their faith, there is a tug of war for the votes.
In my book, Pray Before You Vote! Jesus Is Not a Democrat or a Republican! Jesus Is Lord! I talk about the importance of including God's values in our vote. I also discuss how the Republicans are not afraid to vote their values and encourage Democrats to voice their values. I know many Christian Republicans and Democrats who love God, God's people and have moral values. There is a divide between the subset of Christian Republicans and Democrats.
The Presidential candidates know this. Their strategy is to go after the Independent thinkers. These are people who are not too conservative or too liberal. They can be swayed according to what issues are important at this time. So while many think that other groups like Hispanics, African-Americans, Women, Men, Armed Forces' votes are important, the Christian vote crosses all of these groups as well. The Christian is first loyal to God before they are loyal to their subset of groups. This is why this vote is crucial. Naturally it is important because votes are numbers that can be added to the final tally count for this election. Spiritually, the Christian vote is important because as we know when we people come together in unity, the influence can change minds, thoughts and ideas. This is why there is a desire for candidates to express their faith and make their case for Evangelical vote.
The case for the Evangelical vote has been proven in the last two presidencies. It will continue to be a factor in the future because Christians are finally waking up to do what God has called them to do. While Christians were quiet in the past, the Ten Commandments was taken out of schools, prayer has been changed to a moment of silence, teen pregnancy has increased, school violence has increased and morals have decreased. The Christian vote should be courted; the candidates should share their faith and values because this will be the only way they will get the Evangelical/Christian vote!
As we watch the forum tonight, let us be prayerful and hear from God. Let us know not be so orthodox (ultra-conservative, religious, dogmatic) or too liberal (lavish, radical, tolerant) to see what God is saying. Let’s pray and ask God for wisdom this year. Let’s not vote for someone because of our own prejudices whether it be ageism or racism. Let us not denounce someone because of one issue. We know God is bigger than one issue. Let us pray for God’s wisdom in our decision-making before we vote! Be obedient to God and you will never go wrong. Be sure to listen with a spiritual ear and watch wolves in sheep’s clothing as Jesus warned us. Watch the Pharisee and Sadducee spirits. Jesus said observe them but do not take on their ways!
I charge you to Pray Before You Vote and know that Jesus can use a Democrat or a Republican as long as they connected to His word and they have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them!
To learn more about the importance of including God in your vote and why Christians believe what they believe, read, Pray Before You Vote! Jesus Is Not a Democrat or a Republican! Jesus Is Lord! by Freya S. Williams
Freya S. Williams
www.praybeforeyouvote.org
www.praybeforeyouvote.blogspot.com

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