by Umique Artison

Created on: November 04, 2008

To answer this question effectively, we must first reconcile with reality. What exactly is reality as we know it in America today?

Reality is that we are in the midst of an economic crisis.

Reality is that people are losing their jobs and homes.

Reality is that people are dying earlier due to lack of adequate health care.

Reality is that our seniors can no longer afford to retire.

Reality is that our dependence on foreign oil has consumed us.

Reality is that the American dream is diminishing right before our very eyes.

In looking at the images of the two candidates for President, Barack Obama and John McCain, we must view them through microscopes directly focused on these issues. In actuality, no one ever knows the truth about any politician until they have taken over the office of which they sought. Their images have been carefully designed to coerce voters into thinking that they are a good fit for the job and that they genuinely care about the people.

The issues that each of these candidates face in this election has thrown them a curve ball-forcing them to show America more of who they really are than they initially planned or intended. Many can agree that Obama has come across as cool, calm, and collected and McCain has been somewhat of a hot head, erratic, and wavering. In fact, both of these candidates have somewhat endorsed these images of themselves throughout the entirety of their campaigns and the media have branded them in the same fashions.

In lieu of our present circumstances, we all can validate the aforementioned images portrayed by each of the candidates. With that in mind, many people have often found solace in Obama's message for hope on his quest for change and at the same time, we can relate to the anger and frustration exhibited by McCain when he speaks of the lack of accountability in Washington.

We have seen the human element injected into both of these campaigns as the American people have felt abandoned, betrayed, and abused by their own government. We have seen a wide variety of different emotions played out on the stage in the race for the Oval Office. We have seen much of ourselves in each of these candidates.

So, to answer this question...Yes, their images do match reality. Neither the amount of money spent or the scope of their strategic planning could defy the will of the American people. Our pain was at the forefront of this election-uncompromising, unwavering, and unwilling to accept less.

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