I don't think that I will be voting in California's primary this Tuesday.

[robertpaulsen]

I've been feeling pretty depressed lately. Usually my vote in the primary is done strictly through my conscience. But I can't vote for a candidate who ends their campaign prior to my vote. That's the litmus test for viability in my book, polls be fucked (they usually are). Once a candidate drops out, I would feel my vote for them would simply be out of protest, in which case I might as well just write in Al Gore's name if I wanted my vote to be STRICTLY out of conscience. But as much as I try to deny it, viability does play a factor in so much that as long as a candidate is willing to tough it out and fight for the candidacy, regardless of the odds, I will support them if their ideological views most reflect mine. I was originally going to vote for Kucinich on February 5, but after he dropped out, I started to take a closer look at the Big Three.

Last week, my 64 year old father was diagnosed with colon cancer. I am not certain how far it has progressed; when I take him to the hospital tomorrow for surgery (fortunately we were able to get that scheduled quickly) I will certainly have a lot of questions for the doctor. I'm trying to keep positive thoughts and stay hopeful that the cancer hasn't spread to the lymph nodes, which will be removed and tested. But it's quite a shock, he's very health conscious with his diet, doesn't eat red meat, doesn't eat pork, no family history of cancer at all.

He should be getting out of the hospital either Monday or Tuesday. He lives alone with a cat, so I will be staying with him all next week to take care of him and the cat. Whether it's helping to buy groceries, make meals or do laundry, I want to be there to help him in any way I can so that he doesn't have to strain or exert himself and can just focus on resting and recovering. He lives about an hour and a half away from my house. I suppose if he comes home on Monday, I could wake up Tuesday morning, prepare our breakfasts, drive home, walk five minutes to my polling place, vote, then drive back in time to prepare our lunch. Frankly, I don't know if I have the energy. It only added to my depression to find out Edwards is dropping out. Not that I have any problems voting for Obama or Clinton in November, but it's depressing to see my choices have already been narrowed to an either or vote this primary. Whoever wins, they better be prepared to throw John "Bomb, bomb, bomb. Bomb, bomb Iran" McCain's warmongering glibness right back in his face. Americans may love a veteran, but they hate a bully. We can win on the economy AND the war. So whether it's Obama or Clinton, sorry I don't think I'll be able to help you this time around. I'll be there in November.

[polichick]

1. Wish I had the chance to vote in a primary that was early enough to matter. nt

[Raine]

18. Yeah me too

being in CA 99% of the time my choice has already dropped out. :-( It really sucks not having a real say. :mad:

[Hell Hath No Fury]

2. Always, always vote!

I would never dream of not voting -- even if my candidate is not in the running. I will be voting my heart in the primary next Tuesday here in CA -- which will be a write-in for Dennis Kucinich -- even though he has left the race and never stood a chance in hell to begin with.

I do it because I want to let the Democratic leaders know there was one person out there who was not happy with the status quo of the party. And I can leave the voting booth with a clear conscious.

I encourage you to do the same.

[robertpaulsen]

7. I think it's too late for me to do a write-in.

Hasn't the deadline passed?

[Hell Hath No Fury]

9. Not absentee...

but a write-in on your paper ballot at your polling place. There is always a place at the bottom of the candidate field for you to write in a candidate if they are not listed. That's how "Mickey Mouse" gets votes almost every year in elections. :)

:hi:

[robertpaulsen]

13. Thanks for making me smile.

If I can make it to my polling place on Tuesday, rest assured I will not be voting for Mickey Mouse.:)

[jaysunb]

3. Cheer up Bob

Something good happens everyday we wake up, but you'll miss it if have your head down. :hi:

[LibDemAlways]

4. Sorry to hear about your dad. Sending good vibes for a

speedy and complete recovery.

I've been depressed lately, too, and Edward's dropping out really has me in a tailspin. I have no intention of voting Tuesday either.

[robertpaulsen]

8. Thanks for the good vibes.

It's been a real downer lately, but I appreciate your kind words.

[Mojorabbit]

5. I am sorry to hear about your dad

Mine had colon cancer in his 60's and a few lymph nodes were involved. He had surgery and chemo and it was cured. He died a year ago in his late 70's of leukemia.
There is a lot they can do these days so keep the faith! I'll be sending the good mojo to you and him.

[robertpaulsen]

11. Sorry to hear about your dad's passing.

It is encouraging to hear that he beat colon cancer. My father will also do chemo if they find any trace in the lymph nodes. I'm trying to stay positive, so thank you very much for the good mojo!

[redqueen]

6. Sorry to hear about your dad... hope he's all right.

I'm still voting for Edwards to hopefully get him more delegates... and to send a message to the other two.

[robertpaulsen]

14. Thanks for the positive thoughts.

And best of luck getting Edwards delegates. It ain't over til it's over.

[rosesaylavee]

21. More delegates for Edwards and there may be a

brokered convention. This ain't over yet.

Be sure to take your vitamins, especially your Bs as it appears you are going into a pretty stressful time. :hug:

[robertpaulsen]

22. Good advice.

Strange thing, I won't have any problems finding vitamins in my Dad's house. That's what blows my mind, he's such a health conscious guy.

You may be right about the convention. I've no idea what a brokered convention would be like. If there's a virtual tie between Obama and Clinton, could Edwards be the compromise candidate? Or could they let a previously undeclared, say, Al Gore take the nomination? Not sure how that would work.

[rosesaylavee]

23. I don't think any one knows how it will work.

I think that the more delegates that are not affiliated with HRC or Obama who vote uncommitted or for Edwards even then, the more likely a second vote will be needed then to determine the nominee. And if there is no resolution, they may seek out a candidate who will unify the two factions. I am voting for Edwards in hopes of just that very slim chance that the door would be opened for a different nominee than the two remaining. And of course, whoever I will vote for the nominee come November. But as long as there is the slimmest chance that that person is Gore, I am voting this primary.

And perhaps that's good about your dad then... by taking all those vitamins, he has built up fortification to get healthy faster then.

[JDPriestly]

10. Vote against the media. Vote for Al Gore if he is your first choice.

You have nothing to lose. Democracy has everything to gain. You are now free. Vote your conscience. Mine tells me to vote for Edwards. Yours tells you to vote for Gore. Do it!!!!

Turn off your cable TV and start talking to friends, neighbors and anybody who will listen about how you think the world should be changed. And vote the way you feel you should. That is how we can change the world.

The media made John Edwards' decision. Let's don't let them destroy all of our freedom.

[blm]

12. This open government advocate sees positives with one candidate that

I find comforting - especially on transparency in government issues.

And, especially when considering the known quantity that is the other candidate.

Best to you, robertp. ;)

[robertpaulsen]

16. Best to you too, blm!

I've always enjoyed the great research in your excellent posts. I appreciate your concern.

[AlCzervik]

15. sorry about your Dad Robert and best of vibes to him.

[robertpaulsen]

17. I appreciate your kind words.

:yourock:

[Raine]

19. Sending positive thoughts to you and

your father. :hug:

[robertpaulsen]

20. Thank you very much.

Positivity rules! :)