Some really good comments here. Thanks for the McCain update, Suzanne. You are so right about Tom Friedman’s book, Diana T. Your comments are right on. I’ve lived in the Washington DC area for 50 years and have watched administrations come and go. In Obama, we now have one of the most intelligent, honorable candidates possible. Perhaps too intelligent, perhaps too honorable for the political marketplace. I hope not. I will certainly work for him.

Fourteen vice-presidents have become president themselves. That is worth considering as we decide who we’d like or not like for VP. I’m a political junkee, but have to admit I’m weary. The biggest problem for me with this presidential election is the long, long primary and the constant media coverage which makes every facial expression and mis-speak, false-fact and opinion carry more weight than it should. I’m ready for the debates!

Which is better - to defend one’s self against lies and false statements and, in doing so, give the lies more coverage … or to ignore them? I think the Obama campaign was right to respond immediately in a crisp fact-oriented way. Now, Obama needs to offer a topic that is non-defensive and helpful to his campaign. Hopefully, this week he’ll announce his VP choice and that will give the media something new and positive to talk about.

The good thing about being a woman today is that you can write your own narrative. On the brink of age 50, my four children were college graduates happily exploring the future, my own career, once enjoyable, had lost its zip, and my own long marriage was painfully out of steam. I considered the situation, talked things over with those I loved, took a deep breath, said a prayer and made changes. A not-too-difficult divorce followed, and grad-school for a new career. I wasn’t really looking, but a wonderful guy then appeared, who turned out to be the love of my mature life. I can say with confidence that a woman’s 50’s can be fulfilling, challenging and joyfull. It is a time for self-confidence, for knowing what really matters and for having the courage to do what one’s heart and head know is right.. I hoe for Madonna, they’ll be the best years of her life.