Package looks nice, but it's empty
As the Democrats wrap up their four-day extravaganza, they leave Denver with a nice package, but they don't know how to sell it. Make no mistake, the package is neatly wrapped, with a pretty bow on it, but it's what's inside the package that will cause the Democrats problems come November.
Simply put, the box is empty.
Voters on Nov. 4 will never have a clearer, more distinct choice between candidates for the highest office in the land. Let's take a moment to look at how these differences may affect your life.
Unlike John McCain, who has the experience, vision and leadership to guide this country in turbulent times, the Obama camp is attempting to sell sizzle instead of steak. They don't want the voters to look too closely, because, frankly, there is nothing there.
Families are worried about health care. Unlike John McCain's health care plan, which is designed to return more control to the patients regarding their health care needs, Obama's plan would result in higher taxes on businesses and individuals and, in the end, not cover all Americans.
Families want relief from high gas prices. John McCain advocates a comprehensive approach to alternative fuels while at the same time not increasing our dependency on foreign oil, which is what Obama's windfall profits tax plan would do. Jimmy Carter initiated a windfall profits tax, to no benefit to the consumer.
Barack Obama was wrong about Iraq. His opposition to the surge in Iraq, which saved countless American military and Iraqi civilian lives, only goes to underscore how he lacks the experience to be the commander-in-chief of our armed forces. Trouble is brewing in areas outside the Middle East, especially in the former Eastern Bloc country of Georgia. Is Barack Obama better prepared to deal with this potential threat than John McCain? Or will our adversaries pounce on his inexperience and naiveté?
Over the next 10 weeks or so, the voters will slowly open the box that Barack Obama's team has so carefully created.
It's always the biggest box on Christmas morning that elicits the most excitement. But, how many times, in the end, do we come to find that it's all packaging?
State Rep. Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, is Illinois Co-Chair for John McCain.