In response to Joan Ganz Cooney’s update of 8/30/08, 2:06pm Right on, Joan. You are right about the vast contrast between Sen. Obama’s and Gov. Palin’s experience. He far outweighs her in content.

You’re right, Josie. She won’t change internally. What I’m talking about is the external. How do you change perfection, which I think Michelle Obama is today. Somehow money, power, opportunities, world-wide exposure changes the way women dress and wear their hair. Look at the incarnations of Lady Di (extreme example, of course), Diane Ross and Hillary Clinton. I don’t know … I’m just very excited about the evolution of Michelle Obama.

Seems to me Sen. McCain’s decision was made out of fear. After last night’s Democratic Convention I believe Sen. McCain was afraid of letting Sen. Obama luxuriate in too much limelight. So a day later, on his birthday, McCain announced a choice. Time will tell if his decision was correct or faulty. It sure doesn’t seem well thought out.

You summed up Sarah Palin in a few words. This will be an interesting race to the White House.

Senator Obama delivered a fantastic speech last night. Every American must be so proud, even if they won’t be voting for him. He is America … our future, which is why I think it’s hard to criticize him. He’s a rare bird. We’re so busy watching him fly we’re too mesmerized to form negative thoughts. The Convention was great, especially following the spectacular Beijing Olympics! How could we trump the Chinese, but the Democrats did. Here’s something that’s been on my heart since Michelle Obama delivered her opening speech at the Convention. I’ve seen her on the View. On magazine covers. In snippets on the nightly news. And at the Convention. She’s so dynamic with her beautiful huge eyes, perfectly arched brows, warm smile, tall physique. She looked marvelous every night at the Convention. But I wondered - if the Obamas go to the White House, how will fame change her physically? Will the paparrazi/media hound her about weight (ala Princess Diana), a new hairstyle (ala Katy Holmes), her choice of clothes (ala Hillary Clinton’s pant suits). She’s already gorgeous and stylish. When I think of Jackie Kennedy, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. I wonder: How will fame change Michelle Obama?

Sarah Palin is obviously an up and coming politician in the Republican Party. What a coup to be tapped as vice presidential candidate at the age of 44. We’ll be hearing a lot about Sarah Palin in the coming years - from the White House or the Governor’s Residence. Women are on the move politically. At this time, I believe Palin is being paired with John McCain for her beauty, youth, and exoticism. 1. As a society, we revere a man who’s got a beautiful woman on his arm. Sarah Palin is a beauty queen. Even Cindy McCain has been lauded for her “super model beauty” right here on this board. We’re a visual society. McCain will get votes for being smart enough to draw a beautiful woman. 2. Palin is from Alaska, a state that’s a little remote from the lower 49. It’s mysterious and we continue to think of Alaska as a final frontier. Alaska also became a state in 1959, the same year Hawaii (birthplace of Barack Obama) gained statehood. 3. Palin is only 44. She’s got school-aged children. She’ll relate to the soccer moms. 4. Palin’s state of Alaska has a glut of crude oil and she’s been talking about how to tap that source instead of buying from foreign governments. Although she’s not Hillary Clinton, she has a lot to offer John McCain. But I think she’s too new to the game to “in a heart beat” become a world leader. Not at this crucial time in American history.

August Wilson. I was at the Atlanta Arts Festival. His play Jitney was being performed. We met in the lobby after the show. An amazing moment.

Good point about Chelsea. During the video intro to Hillary Clinton’s speech Chelsea said each generation is expected to do better than the last. Plus Chelsea will be 36 yrs-old in 2016, meeting the 35 yr age of eligibility. And she’s being well tutored by her parents. So we’ll see what’s to come. All toll, it makes for an exciting political climate in America.

Hillary Clinton said it all, “We don’t have a vote to spare … we MUST vote for Barack Obama to be the next presisent of the United States.”

Best wishes, Kimberley. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Bravo, Michelle Obama, America’s next First Lady!

I’m gonna have to pick up one of her books.

Michelle Obama did an awesome job telling the nation why her husband should be our next president. Apparently, she wrote the speech herself (slightly polished by campaign speech writers). Very impressive. After the speech her daughters joined her on stage, while Senator Obama congratulated her via satellite. Great use of technology!

What beautiful memories you’ve all shared. My fondest memory from this summer is introducing my two-year-old grandson to the beach - the feel of sand between his tiny toes, the taste of salty water on his lips, warm breezes caressing his arms and legs. We’re taking it slow. In my mind’s eye I see him running down the beach, splashing in the water, tossing a volleyball he rescued from waves to college friends. One day. Today we walked hand-in-hand to the water’s edge and placed our fingertips into the sun-kissed water. Small steps …

Sunday morning, 8/24/08, from Huffington Post Chinese officials admit to age confusion. Last year a few of the gymnasts were moved from the Cities group to a National group. Along the way ages were misreported. Will the gymnasts in question be disqualified? Will the team forfeit its gold medal? Details pending. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/24/china-acknowledges-gymnas_n_120…