My Endorsement for President

After watching both party conventions during the past two weeks, I am optimistic that people are as engaged in the political process as they have been in recent history. Both candidates have compelling qualities to be admired by Americans.

John McCain is an American hero who has devoted his entire life to serving the country. After spending time in a POW camp, he could have easily drifted in to a quiet life and he still would have been considered a hero. Instead, he devoted the next 30 years of his life to public service in Washington DC. Regardless of what MSNBC wants you to think, McCain's lifelong record in DC is truly that of a maverick, and he has led some of the most critical reforms of our day.

Barack Obama is electric. He is a once-in-a-generation communicator who has the incredible ability to inspire people and provide a message of optimism. His gift of being able to engage people who had otherwise been apathetic toward the political process is extremely valuable. If a President needs charisma, he has it in droves. And regardless of what FoxNews wants you to think, Obama's experience in the Senate does count for something.

But my endorsement isn't for a specific candidate, but rather for an idea. I feel strongly that the President of the United States should be a true third branch of Government. The Executive Branch must be strong and able to rise above the partisan shouting match that permeates Washington. If it is simply an extension of the Congress or Senate, it isn't truly a third branch. It needs the ability to push forward an agenda that is that of the American people, not the GOP or Democratic leadership.

That is what I'll be watching these next eight weeks -- which ticket proves to me that it will be a true Executive Branch of Government, not just the leader of his party. You may arrive at a different conclusion than I do, but I'd encourage you to consider this as a primary criteria as well.